From the Deacon’s Desk 7/18/2021

Dear Friends:

Our first reading today is from Jeremiah 23:1-6. The prophet sends a warning to the current shepherds of Israel.  These shepherds are misleading the flock and God is very displeased with them. They divide the people rather than unite them. However, at the end of the reading Jeremiah tells the people a descendent of David shall lead the people wisely and justly; and Judah, the southern kingdom, and Israel will prosper and all will dwell in safety and unity. This is the promise of the coming of Jesus the Messiah, the Good Shepherd.

In our Gospel story Mark 6:30-34, the apostles return from their preaching mission and tell Jesus all they did. Jesus invites them to come away with him and rest for a while after their hard work. But the people see them, figure out where they are going, and hurry there to greet Jesus and his disciples when they arrive. When Jesus sees the crowd assembled for him he is saddened. He realizes that they are desperate to have a Good Shepherd to lead and guide them. Rather than turn away to be with his disciples, Jesus begins to evangelize and teach them what God has always wanted for them.

It’s hard sometimes to do the work of Jesus. Sometimes we get tired and need to rest. There is nothing wrong with that. Rest if you must, but always remember that our job here on earth is to spread the good news of Jesus to the people of God. That is what it means to be a disciple of Jesus!

Peace and All Good!

Deacon Jim