Reflections on the readings for the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (July 18, 2021): JER 23:1-6; PS 23:1-3,3-4,5,6; EPH 2:13-18; MK 6:30-34
MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
All people have troubles, fears, wants. Only in our Savior can we find the answer to all our needs and longings...
The Psalm for this Sunday is probably the best known and loved of all. It is the 23rd and it is a song of trust and thanksgiving. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. In verdant pastures He gives me repose; beside restful waters He leads me; He refreshes my soul. He guides me in right paths for His name’s sake. Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for You are at my side with Your rod and your staff that give me courage” (Psalm 23:1-4). The beautiful words aptly fit with the other readings that remind of God’s loving care for His people and His desire for us to turn to Him for truth, mercy, and peace. In the first reading from Jeremiah, we hear about leaders are in fact bad shepherds, false rulers and prophets who harm those entrusted to their care. But Almighty God never abandons us. From the line of King David one will rise up who “shall do what is just and right.… This is the name they give him: ‘The Lord our justice’” (Jeremiah 23:5-6).
In the New Testament, the letter to the Ephesians tells us that Jesus Christ, heir of David and Son of God is our peace. Our peace – both Jews and Gentiles, those who are near and those who are far are all called to reconciliation in Him. In the Gospel we see how deeply our Lord loved those who followed Him. This was certainly true of the Apostles, but it was like wise true of the crowds who yearned to stay near Him. All people have troubles, fears, wants. Only in our Savior can we find the answer to all our needs and longings, even those we can barely express to ourselves. He who gives us hope in our daily lives promises us the reality of eternal life in His company. The 23rd Psalm ends with the words, “I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come.” Much more than that. Much more than that.