Scripture:
Reflection:
Lost Without a Shepherd and No One to Guide You
How do you think it will feel to be a child with no one to guide you? What if you were abandoned by your mother and father at childbirth or at any point in your life and needed someone you could depend on, someone to love you, and someone you could count on to be there to take care of any of your bodily needs? This could be how the crowd felt before they met Jesus. In this Gospel passage, Jesus and His disciples had taken a moment to get away from the vast crowds so that they could be alone and rest for a while. But the crowd is aware of their departure by boat and they quickly make it to the other side of the lake, arriving before Jesus and the disciples to meet them as they do arrive.
Jesus’ response is one of heartfelt mercy and compassion. He is moved with pity for them and He continues to teach them many things. Jesus also had a deep longing to be with His people. He desired to share His heart with them and to shepherd them, leading them into the many truths He came to reveal. Jesus was a true Shepherd who loved His sheep and welcomed them continually.
Our son and daughter-in-law just had their second child today. His name is Theodore Ryan Smith. He was born weighing 9 pounds 11 ounces and very healthy. We are very proud grandparents. He has a loving mother, father, grandfather, grandmother and countless of other family members and friends to care for him. He has plenty of people to guide and care for him throughout his life, but he has not yet met his chief shepherd, Jesus, in life. The crowd knows that they have seen their Chief Shepherd and can’t get enough of him. We must all seek to be with Him, love Him and follow His commands Whenever you are lost don’t forget your Chief Shephard, Jesus. He is always there for you. He will never let you down. Reflect, today, upon the merciful heart of Jesus. See His heart, long for Him and go to Him. Know of His burning love for you and accept Him as your Shepherd.
Deacon Peter Smith serves at St. Mary’s/Holy Family Parish in Alabama, is a religion teacher at Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School in Birmingham, and a member of our extended Passionist Family.