Shepherding was one of the oldest of callings in Israel, even before farming, since the Chosen People had traveled from place to place, living in tents, and driving their flocks from one pasture to another. Looking after sheep was no easy calling. It required great skill and courage. Herds were often quite large, thousands or even tens of thousands of sheep. The flocks spent a good part of the year in the open country. Watching over them required a great deal of
attention and care.

In the First Reading we heard that Jeremiah was saying that Israel’s leaders, through godlessness and fanciful teachings, had misled and scattered God’s people. He promises God will send a shepherd, a king and son of David, to gather the lost sheep and appoint for them new shepherds.

The crowd gathering on the green grass in today’s Gospel is the start of the remnant that Jeremiah promised would be brought back to the meadow of Israel. The people seem to sense and to come to understand that Jesus is the Lord, the good shepherd, the king they’ve been waiting for. Jesus is moved to pity, seeing them as sheep without a shepherd. This phrase was used by Moses to describe Israel’s need for a shepherd to succeed him. And as Moses appointed Joshua, Jesus appointed the Twelve to continue shepherding His people on earth. As we sing in today’s Psalm, through the Church, the Lord, our good shepherd, still leads people to the verdant pastures of the kingdom, to the restful waters of baptism; He still anoints with the oil of confirmation, and spreads the Eucharistic table before all people, filling their cups to overflowing.

Jesus’ love was a personal love for each and every person who came to him in need. We must know that peace and security of a life freely submitted to Jesus because He is the Good Shepherd. In the person of the Lord Jesus, we see the unceasing vigilance and patience of God’s love. Therefore, we must trust in his grace and help at all times.

Let us Pray: Heavenly Father, you send your only begotten son Lord Jesus as a Shepherd to guard and protect us from all evil. Help us to stand firm in your word and to trust in your help in all circumstances of our daily life. May we always find rest and refuge in your loving presence. Amen.

Love and Prayers,

Fr. Charley