Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
† Sunday 23rd July 2000
Theme: Jesus - true shepherd.

A reading from the Prophet Jeremiah 23 : 1 - 6
The contrast is between the bad shepherds, the kings who allow the sheep to be scattered and wander into danger, with the righteous shepherd, the chosen descendant of King David “who will reign as true king and be wise, practising honesty and integrity in the land.” Thus the dispersed remnant will come back to their pastures, and God “will raise up shepherds to look after them; no fear, no terror for them anymore; not one will be lost - it is the Lord who speaks!”

Letter of Paul to the Ephesians: 2 : 13 - 18
The words,“He is our peace,” may be a fragment of an early Christian hymn. But Christ is the one who brings reconciliation between Jew and Gentile. Jesus has, “broken the barrier which used to keep them apart....this was to create one single New Man...by restoring peace through the cross, to unite in a single Body and reconcile them with God.” There is a message here which is most relevant for our world today. A world full of racial and religious prejudice, of social discrimination, and of the gulf between rich and poor. If as we believe, Christ “is our peace,” then the Christian community has a great deal to do, and an important example to set.

The Gospel according to Mark 6: 30 - 34
Following on the gospel reading of last week, when the disciples were sent out two and two to preach the Good News, now the disciples return, full of themselves, and excited at the outcome of their missionary endeavours. While the missionary might need time to rest and recharge the batteries, the people come from all directions, eager to hear the gospel. So Jesus, ever the good shepherd, takes pity upon them and “set himself to teach them at some length.” Do we ourselves have this eagerness to listen to the Gospel and the stamina and perseverance to share the good news with those who hunger after truth?
© Peter Harrison 2000