Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
His (Jesus) heart was moved with pity…because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.
Today’s readings invite us to emulate Jesus’ heart - one that senses the needs of others and is moved to change and respond. Unlike the idols the psalmist describes as unable to see, hear, or feel, Jesus invites us into an intimate relationship with his own heart. We are called to be deeply moved and to bring his tender heart to others as we respond to their needs with the care of a shepherd for their sheep.
Jesus also invites us to “pray that the master of the harvest send more laborers’. This prayer is not just about asking for others to meet the harvest needs; but calling is to transformation, to better be part of God’s crew!
What might it take for us to be as responsive and caring as Jesus? Naming our modern-day idols that take up too much of our time, keep us stuck in our routines or shut down our sensitivity is key. We are invited to ponder,
- In what ways do I ‘tune out’ and dull my senses to the needs of others because I am too set in my own ways or preoccupied with tasks at hand?
- How might I reduce needless distractions, use discretionary time wisely so that I ensure quality time for prayer and reflection so God can help keep my heart open?
- How can I give time to reach beyond myself in service and care, especially to the troubled and abandoned?
- How might I express more heart-kindness in my everyday life?
Pope Francis has reminded pastors that shepherds should smell like sheep, and be “people capable of living, of laughing and crying with your people, in a word, of communicating with them” By our Baptism, we are each part of Christ’s common priesthood of all the faithful!
We can trust that as we spend time in prayer, reach out beyond ourselves and experience the needs of others, our hearts will be softened and tenderly transformed. Through ongoing prayer, and works of charity, our witness of Christ’s love can help build the community of the faithful, and together we can be amazed at all Jesus is doing through us!
—Sr. Leanne Jablonski, FMI