The Heart of the Shepherd

07-21-2024Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

The Gospel shows us the compassionate heart of Jesus as a Shepherd. Jesus sees the vast crowds of people waiting for Him on the other side of the lake. His heart moved with pity for them; they were like sheep without a shepherd. He sees through their heart, recognizes their needs, and pities them. Meanwhile, the disciples are also tired, have little time to rest, and cannot even find time to eat as people flock to them wherever they go. While working for the vineyard of the Lord, we also need to take care of ourselves. That is the message Jesus wanted to convey to His disciples. They need time to rest, recharge, and reconnect with the FATHER in prayer (in a deserted place).

Jesus is the Good Shepherd who genuinely cares for His sheep. The Jews know from experience how much God cares for the welfare of His sheep like a Good Shepherd. This knowledge that God cares is demonstrated best in the inspired text of Psalm 23. The Psalmist confidently says that God will not deprive His sheep of what they need. I shall not be in want - the sheep will not lack anything they truly need because the Lord provides. Pondering this line of the Psalms, we should recognize more deeply how much God, the Good Shepherd, cares for His sheep. Living under His protection, He guides us, removes our fears, and gives us courage. That in the darkest valley, the valley of the shadow of death, we can still live in peace because the Lord is our Good Shepherd.

Like our Shepherd, we all need quiet moments. Do we have time to go on silent mode? Do we have a place to rest, reflect, and refresh? In many instances in the Gospel, Jesus would go out into the desert or mountain to be alone with the Father. How about us? Where do we go to spend time with God? The Gospel reminds us of the importance of a quiet moment with God. Learn to listen and communicate with God in prayer. I call this moment - Being in God.

The Church is the flock of which God Himself foretold and that He would be the Shepherd, whose sheep, even though governed by human shepherds, are unfailingly nourished and led by Christ Himself, the Good Shepherd and Prince of Shepherds, who gave His life for His sheep. (CCC 754)

The Lord reminds us that people will remember us not so much for our intelligence as much as for the moments we showed kindness and goodness to them. Or how much we expressed our love and showed genuine compassion and care. No matter how busy we are have a quiet time to pray, to be in communion with God. Reach out to those in need of His presence and love. No matter how busy we are with work and other things, do not forget to have a moment for ourselves, GOD, and others for compassion and love. Lord, help us become Good Shepherds after your SON’S own HEART.