Sunday, July 18, 2021

July 18, 2021: 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

When the disciples return from their missionary work, Jesus invites them to rest.  It sounds like they need it, because the throngs of people coming leave them unable to even eat.

Yet when they reach the other side of the Sea of Galilee, the people were already there, drawn to be with Jesus.  He's moved with compassion for them, and began to teach them.

The Good Shepherd is a common and rich image of Jesus Christ.  It hearkens to how the Kings of Israel and Judah were called to shepherd the people, but didn't live up to their call.  So God decided to take charge and shepherd His people.

Ultimately, He brought them to the abundant Life He desires for His people by sending Jesus as the Good Shepherd.  He lay down His life to restore us to right relationship with God, and bring all peoples together, Jew and Gentile.

In Him, we find rest in God, because He has provided rest to our souls through salvation.  And then we join with Christ in the work of making that Good News known.

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