Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jesus, at the moment, wanted to live the monastic life for a while. He and his disciples were going off to a boat in a deserted place because they needed to rest. But the Lord had pity on those who followed him because they were like sheep without a shepherd. In our first reading today, we hear, “Woe to the shepherds who mislead and scatter the flock of my pasture, says the LORD. Therefore, thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, against the shepherds who shepherd my people: You have scattered my sheep and driven them away. You have not cared for them, but I will take care to punish your evil deeds.”
We need to be good shepherds to those who are in need. I think of St. Maximilian Kolbe in his Auschwitz cell, hearing confessions leading the rosary and singing to Our Lady, as one of the SS guards said “He has turned this jail cell into a chapel!” That is an example of a good shepherd. How can we be good shepherds and stand up for what is right? If we do the will of God and fulfill it then I believe we can be good shepherds. The Lord, the true good shepherd, is calling you! Can you hear his voice? If you do, harden not your hearts.
Reflection by Br. Maximilian Burkhart, OSB
Posted in Lenten Resources