Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today's Mass Readings

Foreword: There is always a good time to honor a spiritual hero or role model who has influenced our spiritual journey. One person who I often turn to is Thomas Merton. He is considered one of the greatest Christian writers of the 20th century. His amazing story and mystique have grasped the attention of readers for nearly a century. He is, without a doubt, someone who deserves consideration in our reflections. This week let us turn to Merton’s writings for inspiration.

The prophet Jeremiah gives a strong rebuke to the shepherds who mislead the people. He promises that “the days are coming” when God will raise up a righteous shoot of the house of Israel. There would be a reckoning for shepherds who, by fault or design, would lead “the flock” away from God. St. Paul declares in Ephesians, “In Christ Jesus, those who were far off have been brought near through the blood of Christ.” Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice as the Good Shepherd who “lays down” His life for His sheep makes it possible for those who have drifted away to “draw near.” Finally, in the Gospel today we see two sides of Jesus’ humanity shown fully. He first invites His followers to come away to a deserted place. The desire is to find rest, to end a long day filled with demanding work. Then we see Jesus’ compassion shine through towards the end of the Gospel. Jesus looks upon the vast multitude, and wants to help them since they are “like sheep without a shepherd.” He showed His humanity, and in His teaching, He shows divinity.

Thomas Merton himself lived a life corresponding to Jesus’s. He spent most of his early life traveling Europe and around the World. He gained high academic success and event taught for a short time at Bonaventure University. In the midst of worldly success, he decided to withdraw to a place deserted by all but Monks, Gethsemane Abbey in Kentucky. He gained wide acclaim as a writer with The Seven Story Mountain. He also gained prominence with many other books that he wrote. Eventually, he withdrew to an even more “deserted place” when he built a cottage and lived as a hermit. His life would become paradoxical because he reached out to people in need of the time. He became involved in many social causes and had compassion for those suffering. I will write on Merton through the rest of the week, but one main example we can take from him is this; we all can live as Christ did. We simply have to do it in our own state in life, just as Thomas Merton did.

Reflection: The desire to withdraw from everyday distractions is something understandable for most people. How can you constructively take time in your own life to “come away” from your business and simply rest in God’s presence? Remember, time spent with God is always well spent!

Reflection by Br. Matthew Marie, OSB