Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Pasturing

Although my family never had sheep, the idea of pastures applies to cows and horses too. Pastures are the rich feeding grounds for the sheep. Sometimes the sheep, like us, believe that the grass is greener on the other side. Sometimes we are lured, led astray. We aren’t satisfied with what we have and venture beyond the boundaries of commitments we have made. We stray from relationships, from family, from faith. Like sheep, we need verdant pastures and shepherds to stay grounded and connected.

Who can be a shepherd? What qualities does it take to be a shepherd? And what does a shepherd do? How can we avoid being “sheep without a shepherd?”

When we are lost, are we comfortable asking for directions? When we ask for advice, are we willing to listen and to follow?

Jeremiah tells us that there are shepherds among us who mislead and scatter the flock. And he also says the Lord, the God of Israel will bring them back to their meadow. Likewise, the psalmist reminds us that the Lord is our shepherd who leads us to verdant pastures and restful waters, to right paths.

Where is your pasture? Where does the Lord lead you? Where do you go to find repose and refreshment? And who are the shepherds who provide right direction in your life?

Jesus teaches all of us how to be a shepherd, a leader, a mediator. He invited his apostles to go away and rest with him for a while. A retreat, a time of quiet—anything that refreshes the mind, body, and spirit—is what the apostles needed. Only then were they able to be pastoral—to have their hearts moved with compassion for those who needed a shepherd.

We are the sheep of His flock! When we gather this weekend to spend time with Jesus, we learn of the depth of God’s love for each of us, a love that is merciful and compassionate. The Eucharist provides us with nourishment, instruction and the capacity to do what Jesus did—be compassionate shepherds to all the “strays” around us!