Readings: Heb. 13:15-17.20-21, Ps.23, Mark 6:30-34
Rev.
Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.
WHY HAVE
WE BECOME LIKE SHEEP WITHOUT RESPONSIBLE SHEPHERDS?
There is
no doubt that humanity are constantly in need of one thing or the other, we are
never tired of searching for things that will satisfy our desires for physical
and spiritual well being. This is even worst with the ugly situation in our country
today were people are lost, confused, sick and completely broke as a result of
what we have created out of our selfish desires.
Today
in our country we are all suffering like sheep without responsible shepherds, no
money in circulation, no fuel, no light, no food, no good roads, no one thing
to be proud of in this country, because we have constantly fail to do the right
things or elect people off goodwill to manage
public offices. This can be likened to
the situation and condition of the people in our Gospel passage today of
which Jesus and his disciples devoted time trying to address the situation.
But as
the situation grew worst, Jesus said to his disciples you must come away to
some lonely place all by yourselves and rest for a while’; for there were so
many coming and going that the apostles had no time even to eat. As they went through their boat, the people
went after them on foot. So, as Jesus stepped ashore he saw a large crowd; and
he took pity on them for they are like sheep without a shepherd and he healed
their sickness and taught them for a while.
Here,
Jesus fulfills his role as the expected messiah who is to liberate his people
from all kinds of diseases and ugly situations. The teaching and healing touch
of Jesus reveals to us that God is faithful to his promises. This healing and
wholeness are offered as a sign of the presence of God’s kingdom among his
people. For we are told in our first reading that Jesus has become the great
Shepherd of the sheep by his blood that sealed an eternal covenant, thereby
making us ready to do his will in any kind of good action; by turning us all
into whatever is acceptable to himself. How I wish that we all can learn to do the
right thing and be responsible with whatever obligation entrusted to us just like
Jesus and his disciples.
Dear
friends, the hopeless and ugly situation in our country today are good
indications that we are just floating in this world like sheep without
responsible Shepherds. Thus, we need to come to Jesus our true and Good
Shepherd. We must make sure that nothing comes between us and the love of Jesus
our Lord, even if we are troubled or worried, or being persecuted, or lacking
food or clothes, or being threatened or even attacked we should remain focused towards
achieving the greater goal through goodwill.
For
these are the trials through which we triumph, by the power of him who loved us
so much. We must ensure that neither death nor life, no angel, no princes of
this world, nothing that exists, nothing still to come, not any power, or
height or depth, nor any created thing, can ever come between us and the love
of God made visible in Christ Jesus our Lord who is our true Shepherd.
Therefore,
let us come to Jesus our Good Shepherd and embrace his love and compassion. Let
us have goodwill for one another. Let us be good leaders in any level we find
ourselves. Let us pray for good leaders especially
in these coming elections, by going out to elect good and credible leaders in every
sector and offices in our societies, not just president, governors and senators.
Let us know those we are entrusting with the responsibility of managing public offices.
By so doing, our prayers and desires for good leaders will be granted.
LET US
PRAY: Lord God, we are lost in this passing world, as we come to you in need of
your love and direction both physically and spiritually, guide us once again
towards the path of truth, love and fulfilment even in the midst of all the
confusion in our country today. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do
have a blessed weekend.
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