16TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Jeremiah 23:1-6

Psalm 22

Ephesians 2:13-18

Mark 6:30-34

JESUS: GOOD SHEPHERD AND MODEL OF LEADERSHIP

Compared to last Sunday, the focus in today's Gospel is shifted from the figure of the missionary to that of the shepherd. Returning from their missionary campaign, the apostles gather together around Jesus. They give account of what they had done; and he asks them to withdraw to a lonely place so as to rest for a while. But before they could reach their place of rest, a large crowd was already waiting for them. The sight of the crowd, like sheep without a shepherd, filled Jesus with compassion; and he began to teach them (Mark 6:30-34). This way, Jesus is the good, loving, caring and tenderhearted shepherd of souls.

These are qualities that were lacking in the leaders of Israel at the time of the prophet Jeremiah. They did not take care of the flock, neither did they seek the lost sheep. Consequently, God denounced their misdeeds, and promised to raise up faithful shepherds for his people. He would raise up a “righteous shoot to David”. In his days, right, justice and security will reign in the land (Jer. 23:1-6). Thus, it can be said that Jesus is the righteous shepherd promised to the people of Israel.

Moreover, St Paul proclaims Jesus as our Peace who broke the dividing wall of enmity and hatred, bringing both Jews and Gentiles into one people (Eph. 2:13-18). By his death on the cross, he has reconciled all of us into one family. He is the shepherd who promotes togetherness, peace and unity.

Jesus is therefore our Shepherd (Ps 23) and our model of leadership. As Pope Francis often says: closeness, tenderness and compassion characterize the style of Jesus. So, each one of us must strive to be like Jesus: caring, compassionate and sensitive to the needs of others. Sometimes, we may need to let go our rights and privileges, our cherished time of rest in order to bring relief and consolation to someone. Other times, we may have to work hard to break the barriers of hostility, hatred and division that are tearing apart our relationships, families, parishes and communities. May the Lord grant us the grace to accept Jesus as our Shepherd, and learn from him the skills of good shepherding. Amen