16TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B.
Reflections For The Week.
1st Reading: Jeremiah 23:1-6
Responsorial Psalm 23:1-3a. 3b-4. 5. 6(R.1
2nd Reading: Ephesians 2: 13-18
Gospel Reading: Mark 6:30-34
Rev. Joseph EdehMy Reflection
Experience has shown that oftentimes the shepherds have failed in feeding, caring, protecting and providing for the flock. Our world, the continent of Africa, our countries, Churches, and families have stories to tell about the failure of administrators, pastors, political leaders, parents, public and civil servants. The failure of leaders brings about hardships and suffering on the people.
The situation is not very far from the crowd that Jesus saw as sheep without a shepherd. However, the Good News is that human failure does not frustrate God's tremendous plans and designs for his people.
Therefore, as Christians and imitators of Christ, we too are called to the work of shepherding God's people, beginning from our families and places of work. May God bless his words in our hearts, Amen.
Shalom Lekha🙏
JUDE AKITI MOMODU
SHARING MY REFLECTION
In the readings, I see the new testament fulfilling the Old. The message of the first reading reminds me of the entire narrative of the valley of dry bones especially the words in Ezekiel 37:6, the same person is speaking with the same term. Take note of the personification in the statement when God affirm"I will, I myself" notice he never said I will send someone to do the job, but He promised to do it himself. What does this mean to us, doesn't it mean that Jesus is the same Almighty Yahweh speaking through the prophets in the old testament? Yet may still live in doubt of His Divinity.
Jesus, in going about his promised mission, saw the people as lost and vulnerable, lacking direction and protection. They were like sheep without a shepherd, easily led astray and susceptible to danger. He understood their need for guidance, care, and a loving leader to guide them back to the right path.
In life we are either lost in the world, lost in ourselves or found in Christ. Salvation has been made available to all only in Christ Jesus, let's learn to believe in the message of the gospel, have faith only in It's truth and live in the guidance of the God shepherds, evident in the life of His appointed shepherds (the true believers) or collectively through the power and working of the Holy Spirit.
May Almighty God, help us all in Jesus Name.. Amen.
Shalom.
ROSEMARY IBAZEBO
My Reflection
My Reflection
They were like sheeps without shepherd
The key highlight of this Gospel reading, speaks more on Mentorship and guidance.
Jesus, saw people living without guidance and had compassion to Teach them things that will make them know the right direction to take. He became more like a Mentor to them, guiding them to the light (Oh yes he is the light😊)
The big question here, is in our daily lives as Christians, do we see people around us who are going astray, but for fear of not wanting to be judged by humans or called names, we don't teach them the right things?
So many of us christians because we want to look good in the face of humans, we see wrong and keep silent 😓
Some will say, let's pray for them ☹️ haba my people. The Bible is complete, Our Lord Jesus saw people without direction, he didn't pray for them, but taught them the right thing👌
Let us also, emulate our Saviour to teach people the truth, even if they don't accept it, you know you have taught them😊
May the Holy Spirit give us the Wisdom needed to teach like Christ taught 🙏
My reflection this morning is on the first reading Jeremiah 23:1-6
Speaking 🗣️ of how most of us believers have been led astray by false teachings.
WOE to you a SHEPHERD (RELIGIOUS LEADER) whom having known the truth, decided to deviate from it just for earthly gains, fame, wealth etc.
Woe to you for diverting the attention of God's children from the path of righteousness
Woe to you for leading Gods people to sin (by fine tuning the word of God to favour you....so it would sound appealing to lustful souls)
Questions here are
1. As a Christian, baptised in Christ Jesus, has your/ my way of life 🙏 added value to the winning of souls for Christ or has it led more people to be very far away from the kingdom of our God.
Note:
As a baptised christian, you are also called to be a shepherd, hence WOE TO YOU/ME if you are / I am found guilty of misleading people.
My Reflection
God, in the prophecy of Jeremiah today, lamented over the nonchalant and indifferent attitudes of the leaders whom He had placed in charge of His people. Instead of watching over and caring for them, they allowed them to wander away and be scattered.
Jesus in the gospel presents us with the model of a good shepherd. Sensitive to the plight of His followers after the day's work, he encouraged them to go to some lonely place and get some rest. You are a shepherd if you are placed in charge of any group. As a shepherd, do your best to be truthful, compassionate and transparent to them. Know your flock and call each one by their name. Enter into a relationship with them that they may know you and recognise your voice when you call. Be observant and sensitive to their needs; seek them out, give them attention and care, protect them from ravaging wolves, and show them the right way. Do not take advantage of your flock; rather, help them to grow.
May God help me to be a good shepherd in his vine yard. Amen
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