Anchored in Faith, Your Soul...Our Mission
Most of us have heard the phrase the price for success is costly. Successful people must be willing to sacrifice a lot of their freedoms to remain successful. They give up their time to be available to others who depend on them for help and guidance, time to be with their family and friends. They are restricted from moving about freely, as people are always wanting to get close to them.
We see this all the time with movie stars, the President of the United States, rock stars, and yes, even the Pope as he visits various countries. Not only do they gather, but hang around, not allowing them time to relax or dine out where they may be staying. Many successful people end up living their lives in seclusion out of fear for their safety.
As you recall, in last week’s gospel, Jesus sent the twelve out to begin their ministry of preaching and heeling. They were to travel without money or other provisions to sustain themselves on their journey. They were to rely on the hospitality of the people in the towns they were to visit. They were to place their trust in God and in the hospitality of the people in the towns they were to visit.
In the gospel, we see the Apostles returning from their first missionary journey to give an account to Jesus. The fact that large crowds were following them was an indication of their success. Jesus, upon seeing the crowds, realizes the apostles needed time to rest and recollect themselves. Jesus suggested they leave the area and go off to a deserted place. Even though they left the area on a boat, the crowds surmised where they were going and beat them to the deserted area.
It is interesting to note Mark’s use of the title “The Apostles.” This is the only time it appears in Mark’s gospel. The word apostle is of Greek origin, “apostellos.” The word describes the relationship of a sender and the person who is sent to deliver a message on behalf of the sender. The sender gives authority to speak on behalf of the sender.
Returning back to the gospel, we are not told how the apostles reacted to the crowds waiting for them. I’m sure most of us can relate to a time when we looked forward to a time of rest, but something pops up that causes a delay or even a cancellation. Jesus’ reaction shows us his humanity. He was moved with pity for the crowd as “they were like sheep without a shepherd.” Recognizing their deep desires, He begins to teach them many things.
The shepherd image is referred to throughout the Old and New testaments. We hear the shepherd image three times in our readings this week. In our first reading, we hear from the prophet Jeremiah that God says he is displeased with the shepherds who have mislead and scattered the sheep. God said He will gather the lost sheep and send good shepherds to tend His flocks.
The responsorial Psalm, Psalm 23, is perhaps the most famous of all Psalms. Most of us have this memorized. Jesus is our personal shepherd who tenderly loves and cares for each of us, especially when we have strayed from Him.
We are all familiar this famous quote from St. Augustine, “My heart is restless until it rests in Thee, my God.” This is a good synopsis of today’s Gospel. The apostles need rest. The crowds are restless to receive more of what Jesus has to say, and they are restless for healings and for a greater meaning in their lives. How about your life? Do you find yourself restless because of the circumstances of your life?
The church provides us with good shepherds to bring us close to our goal of eternal life. Daily we can be nourished with God’s word as well as His body and blood each time we attend Mass. We can relieve ourselves of the restlessness caused by sin through the sacrament of reconciliation.
In closing, I would invite you to spend some time with Psalm 23. Let each word sink into your hearts, and you will be filled with the peace and refreshment you need as you go your way through this life. Remember, this is when the Lord is your shepherd. There is nothing you should want.
Deacon Tom Fox