Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
A central theme in today’s readings is Jesus as a shepherd. The writer of the letter to the Hebrews refers to Jesus as “the great shepherd” (Hebrews 13:20). The Responsorial Psalm describes God as a shepherd. Additionally, Mark in the Gospel also alludes to Jesus as a shepherd in the context of the crowd being “like sheep without a shepherd” (Mark 6:34).
I am not a shepherd. The closest I have been to sheep was at a rest stop in Scotland. I have some idea of what shepherds do, but the readings give us clues. Shepherds provide for the needs of the sheep. In the first reading, the writer prays that God will provide what is needed for the Hebrews to do God’s will. Shepherds also protect and provide basic needs like food and water as indicated in the Responsorial Psalm. Moreover, they lead and guide the sheep. This aspect is seen when Jesus taught the crowd of people many things in the deserted place. If we are to think of Jesus as a shepherd, these are the things that he would do.
What does this mean for us today? How is Jesus a shepherd in our lives? For me, it’s easier to reflect on these questions by imagining myself as one of the sheep in Jesus’ flock. I am one of many including you, the reader. How are we being guided by Jesus? A daily question for disciples is how am I following Jesus today or at this moment? How am I applying Jesus’ teachings to how I live with myself and others? After teaching them, Jesus told the Apostles to go rest for a while. Do we take time to rest or are we too busy? It is in times of rest that we can pray and process Jesus’ teachings. Shepherds also shear sheep. With that image, we can pray with what we are holding on to that we need to let go of. The metaphor of Jesus as the shepherd can inspire us to reflect on our relationship with him.
I’d like to end my reflection with part of “A Prayer to the Good Shepherd” by St. Gregory of Nyssa. His prayer can help us pray with the image of Jesus the shepherd.
Where do you pasture your sheep, O Good Shepherd, you who carry on your shoulders the whole flock? For it is but one sheep, this entire human race whom you lift onto your shoulders. Show me the place where there are green pastures, let me know restful waters, lead me out to nourishing grass and call me by name so that I can hear your voice, for I am your own sheep. And through that voice calling me, give me eternal life....
—Sr. Emily Sandoval, FMI