DAILY- HOMILY

July 22, 2018 - 16th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Cycle B. Green.

Jer 23: 1- 6 / Eph 2: 13- 18 / Mk 6: 30 - 34

FROM THE 1ST READING:             Jer 23: 3- 4

This is the message of Yahweh God of Israel to the shepherds in charge of my people, "You have scattered my sheep and driven them away instead of caring for them. Now I will deal with you because of your evil deeds.

"I will gather the remnant of my sheep from every land to which I have driven them and I will bring them back to the grasslands. They will be fruitful and increase in number. I will appoint shepherds who will take care of them. No longer will they fear or be terrified. No one will be lost."

GOSPEL READING:           Mk 6: 30- 34

The apostles returned and reported to Jesus all they had done and taught. Then he said to them, "Go off by yourselves to a remote place and have some rest." For there were so many people coming and going that the apostles had no time even to eat. And they went away in a boat to a secluded area by themselves.

But people saw them leaving and many could guess where they were going.. So, from all the towns they hurried there on foot, arriving ahead of them..

As Jesus went ashore he saw a large crowd, and he had compassion on them for they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began a long teaching session with them.

REFLECTION

Unscrupulous elected leaders world-wide carry the same traits.. They spend an enormous amount of time and resources to get elected but once in power they conveniently forget their mandate to serve the people and instead concentrate on self-preservation and enhancement. They use fake news, lies, innuendos and whatever means available to silence their opposition and to justify their misdeeds. People's need for affordable housing and health care, fair and living wages, reduction of poverty and discrimination against women and minorities are brushed aside. The rule is survival of the fittest: the idea of commitment and service to the people is not a very high option.

In the first reading the prophet Jeremiah speaks of the key role of the shepherd to care for his flock, to guard and protect them. God will be severe in dealing with leaders who violate this sacred trust. We are grateful for genuine leaders who truly serve the good of the people.

In the Gospel reading we see Jesus and his apostles tirelessly working for the people, in teaching and helping them: "there were so many people coming and going that the apostles had no time even to eat." (Mk 6: 31b) Jesus and his apostles were faithful shepherds of their flock.

What lessons do we learn from this? First, we have to realize the importance of care and compassion for others, like a good shepherd for his flock. We have to live in a culture of mercy and compassion rather than of hate and violence. The forgiving father generously forgave his prodigal son. (Lk 15: 11 - 32) We are sons and daughters of a loving and merciful father: "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us."

Secondly, in dealing with the young, it is important that we do not use violence of coercion to discipline them. A child treated with violence will think violence is acceptable and it would then not be a surprise if he uses force and violence to others in his later years.

We ask the Good Shepherd to help us to be always gentle and caring for those under our care.

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY 

     Ever Lim Ngo

     Luis Bernardo A. Puhawan 

IN MEMORIAM (+)

     Julian Uy Jr. (05 Oct 1945 - 22 Jul 2002).

Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most. 

Have a good day!

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   |  The Daily Prayer, a service and an apostolate of the

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