Jeremiah 23:1-6 Ephesians 2:13-18 Mark 6:30-34
Leadership, integrity and authenticity are all themes we encounter in today’s readings.
The book of the prophet Jeremiah features a story of what I would call “wrong-headed” shepherds, prone to mislead and scatter the flock - actually the Israelites - they are supposed to be leading. These shepherds are promoting division and narcissism; whereas truly “God-centered” shepherds will promote unity, justice and righteousness.
In today’s gospel passage from Mark, we have a “portrait” of the Good Shepherd, with his disciples gathered around him. He is pleased with the wonderful work they are doing; healing people in body and in soul, and teaching them the lessons of the reign of God. Jesus sees that they are weary and in need of rest. Like any good leader, he knows that they must pace themselves, rest when necessary, and build back the strength to continue their ministry. So, he endeavors to take them to a quiet place to rest and rejuvenate.
But the people who make up the crowd are hungry for God’s Word, they are hungry for the Lord. He takes pity on the crowd and begins to teach them the Good News. In the meantime, the disciples can rest a bit and prepare for their upcoming journeys. A good leader recognizes when his assistants need to regain their strength. He/She doesn’t hesitate to step up and protect their energy, by taking on some responsibility for the work that needs to be done.
The second reading acts as a well-built bridge between the first reading and the gospel. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul insists that the teachings of Christ represent an advancement in thinking, from the Old Testament to the New Testament; from the importance of laws and legal jargon to the importance of love, mercy and justice; from a call specifically and entirely to the Hebrews to a call for ALL people to embrace the message of God’s reign. This is not to imply that the message of the Old Testament (often referred to as the Hebrew Scriptures) is wrong, but that it is incomplete and sometimes misinterpreted. The new covenant that God is establishing with God’s people represents an evolution in the way we are to think about and relate to God - in the form of the Blessed Trinity. As is often the case, our three readings today fit together nicely, in order to deliver an authentic message of love, mercy and justice - a message that came to fullness in the ministry of Jesus Christ - a message for all people, in every age; including our present moment and every moment to come!
by: Bill Miller
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