The Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C
Reading 1: Jeremiah 38: 4-6, 8-10
Response: Psalm 40
Reading 2: Hebrews 12:1-4
Gospel: Luke 12: 49-53
Gospel: Luke 12: 49-53
Painting by Del Parson
In today’s readings, we have two images presented: the image of a blazing fire and that of baptism. However, the well-loved picture of the Good Shepherd serves to illustrate both.
The fire Jesus wants to spread over the earth is the light of true knowledge of God. Before the time of Jesus, people could deduce from nature the existence of an all-powerful creator.
However, it took Jesus' coming in a human form to reveal that our God is a loving and forgiving God. Jesus said: He who sees me sees the Father. Jesus wants that understanding shared with all people.
Fire also creates warmth which we associate with love. Jesus also wants us to share love with all people. That can be challenging at times, especially if one has been hurt by the person. However, “love” means wanting the good for others and helping them to attain it when we can. It doesn't mean that we have to “like” the person. “Love is a choice.”
The baptism which Jesus referred to was his death and resurrection. As the time to sacrifice His life for the salvation of souls was coming closer, He said: “...how great is my anguish until it is accomplished.” I hear both His desire to bring about salvation and also His human dread of the suffering He will experience. How heartbreaking it must have been to realize that not all will choose to benefit from His great sacrifice!
As we contemplate the image of the Good Shepherd, we see his love and protection of the sheep. He carries a club to ward off dangerous animals who might try to harm or kill the sheep. The shepherd also carries a staff whose hook enables him to rescue a sheep who has fallen into a crevice, a hole, a stream or has become stuck in mud or bushes. Day and night, the Shepherd watches over the sheep as they search for water and grasses over treacherous mountains and through dangerous valleys.
In the picture above, the way this shepherd is carrying the stray, wounded sheep on his shoulders reminds us of Jesus’ carrying the cross for our salvation. He looks weary and is in pain, but he chooses to sacrifice his own comfort for the sake of the sheep.
The sheep and lambs themselves are wonderful animals. During their lifetimes, they provide wool to warm and protect against the elements. When food is needed, they allow themselves to be slaughtered so that others can live. It is so appropriate for us to also refer to Jesus as the “Lamb of God”.
The next time we hear the priest at Mass pray: “Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,” let us respond with ever grateful hearts: “Have mercy on us” and “Grant us peace”.
Good Shepherd, may we listen to your voice and follow you wherever you lead, knowing that you remain with and watch over us always. Amen.
The story, and the image, of the Good Shepherd are very calming to me for they remind me of the intimate relationship Jesus desires to have with us.
ReplyDeleteI have often felt like a wounded sheep seeking healing by resting snugly in the arms of my Shepherd. For the times that I have wounded others, I am grateful that my Shepherd sacrificed Himself for my salvation. Jesus understands how difficult our journey can be. If we remember the eternal joy that awaits us when we cross the finish line we will be able to persevere through life’s challenges. The words of your prayer to the Lord, as the Good Shepherd, provide us with the fuel we need to stay strong as we run the race, as noted in the Second Reading. Devoting ourselves to our relationship with Jesus has great rewards. May we hear the Shepherd’s Voice, follow His Lead, and know that He is always with us.
This inspiring image of the Good Shepherd reminds us of many relevant and vital references to be found in scripture. The identity of the Individual has definitely been established. Jesus, our Saviour Himself, clearly stated: " I am the Good Shepherd and I know mine and mine know Me just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father and I will lay down my life for the sheep." (John 10:14)
ReplyDeleteWe sincerely hope that we will all remain in this Shepherd's flock
forever. We ardently desire to see our Leader at the end of this life and stay in His Presence through all eternity.