Gulf Pine Catholic

Gulf Pine Catholic • July 19, 2024 5 Compassionate Service 228-374-5650 Bradfordokeefe.com Thank you, St. Jude, Sacred Heart of Jesus, and Immaculate Mary, for prayers answered. I promise to be ever mindful of your great favor granted by God. Opening Remarks -- Story: A six-year-old had a one-line part in a Christmas play, “The Lord is my Shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.” His parents and older brother had rehearsed him well, and when the time came for him to deliver his lines, he stepped up to the microphone and began, “The Lord is my Shepherd… but then silence; he could not remember the rest. With head bowed and almost in tears, he stepped back, took a deep breath, and approached the microphone a second time but could only repeat, “The Lord is my Shepherd… his mind was blank. Devastated, he turned to run off the stage when his older brother met him and whispered something into his ear. Suddenly, a broad smile came across his face; he dried the tears, lifted his head, threw back his drooping shoulders, and, approaching the microphone with confidence, said in a loud voice, “The Lord is my Shepherd; I don’t need to know anything else.” Messianic Promise: Jeremiah begins today’s first reading with the word “Woe.” It conveys God’s disappointment and judgment on the leaders of His people for abusing power, being prideful and arrogant, and failing to imitate His attributes. The Lord, the shepherd of our soul, jealously guards his sheep and imposes harsh punishment on those whose words or actions lead them astray. But along with chastisement for errant shepherds, God makes a stunning promise to His people, “I myself will gather the remnant of my flock…and bring them back. I will appoint shepherds for them…a righteous shoot to David” (Jeremiah 23:3-5). This is a Messianic promise fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. Hence, all generations can know this truth: The Lord is our shepherd. Our first priority is to know him intimately and rely on his care. The Lord is: Today’s Psalm (23) is the most popular, well- known, and often prayed of all the Psalms. This is a song of life experienced. Through terror and turmoil, joy and sorry, doubt and certainty, this one thing was enough to keep the Psalmist hopeful and without despair: The Lord is my shepherd… Because God is, there is nothing I lack. I have divine protection, safety, and security in His loving presence. By following His lead, I will never go astray. I am a guest at His banqueting table of blessings (sustenance and all finest gifts); mercy and forgiveness are his covenant promises. One in Christ: JesusChrist, ourGoodShepherd, iswithusalways, writes Paul to the church at Ephesus. He breaks the grip of hostility and establishes reconciliation with God. For those who want peace of mind and heart, a step must be taken -- approach Christ’s healing balm in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. There, new life begins. Rhythm of Christian Life: Jesus sent His apostles out two by two to preach the good news of salvation, to anoint and heal the sick, and to drive out demons (Mark 6:7-13). In today’s gospel, they return to him and joyfully report on all they have done and taught according to His instructions. Jesus responds by inviting them to come away with Him to rest for a while. Was this an apostolic perk: a respite or vacation for a job well done? No, it was a necessary part of their ministry as shepherds of souls! One commentator called Jesus’ invitation the “rhythm of Christian life.” We come first to Jesus in response to His invitation. Then, empowered, we go with Christ’s blessing and example into the presence of people to minister to their needs as Jesus did. Next, we return to Christ to be nourished, taught, blessed, and sent again for the next mission. Attempting to ignore this critical aspect of our relationship with Jesus or shortcutting this process compromises our discipleship and insists on a relationship with God on our terms instead of his. Embracing the “rhythm of Christian Life” will open doors for our ministry of reconciliation, secure us on earth as ambassadors for Christ, and lead us to eternal citizenship in heaven. Jesus had pity on the people because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and He taught them many things (Mark 6:34). Will you enter the space of holiness with our Lord, sit at His feet, learn of His ways, go make disciples, and return to Him for strength, wisdom, and the courage to repeat the process? For Reflection: 1. What practical steps can you take to live the Rhythm of Christian life? 2. Who are the “sheep” today that would move Jesus to pity? Who moves you to pity? 3. In what ways has Jesus sent you to tend his sheep? 4. Considering Psalm 23 -- How has the Lord guided, refreshed, blessed, and given you courage? 5. Who or what leads and guides you each day? And how? Action Response: 1. Here is the chorus of the song “Shepherd of My Soul.” “Shepherd of my soul, I give you full control. Wherever you may lead, I will follow. I have made the choice to listen to your voice; wherever you may lead, I will go.” Commit it to memory and make it a meditative prayer and an intentional action of service. 2. Commit Psalm 23 to memory -- quote it to someone who feels distant from the Lord. Deacon Ralph Torrelli lives in Hattiesburg and is assigned to St. Thomas Aquinas Parish. Visit his website: www.homilypearls.com. 1st Reading: Jeremiah 23:1-6 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23:1-3, 3-4, 5,6 2nd Reading: Ephesians 2:13-18 Gospel: Mark 6:30-34 16th Sunday of Ordinary Time Shepherd of my soul Deacon Torrell i Sunday Scripture Commentaries