Ken Overberg, S.J.

16th Sunday, July 19, 2009
 
            Last week we heard the confronting word of God.  The prophet Amos, the fierce defender of social justice, gets exiled.  Jesus urges his disciples to shake the dust from their feet, accepting the cost of discipleship.
 
            Today we hear the comforting word of God. Another of the great prophets, Jeremiah, speaks a word of promise and hope.  Even though the religious and political leaders have failed the people (Jeremiah uses the image of shepherd for these leaders), God will be faithful and caring.
 
            In the gospel Mark describes the return of the disciples from their mission and then goes on to picture Jesus as the fulfillment of Jeremiah’s hope.  Jesus, the good shepherd, does the work of God.
 
            In the second reading, we continue the letter to the Ephesians.  Not chosen by theme, it just happens to present another comforting word (especially if we consider the source Jesus’ life and love and not his suffering and death).  It is a word of reconciliation and unity; the good news of Jesus is for Gentile as well as Jew!
 
            Let’s listen to God’s word.
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            Jesus, the good shepherd, does the work of God. By the time the gospel was written, Mark and his community realized that they were the ones to carry on the mission of Jesus.  Now it is our turn to perform the tasks of God.
 
            And so, week by week, we ponder the dimensions of this life-long task of becoming disciples of Jesus: faithful love, compassion, nonviolence, fierce commitment to justice.  And all this in our ordinary lives—with family and friends, at work, in our city and communities.  It is an everyday challenge.  In his recent complex and dense encyclical, Charity in Truth, Benedict XVI has reminded us of all this.
 
            But today, perhaps we can step back from these challenges and come away to rest a little, pondering God’s comforting word, praying about the larger context of promise and fulfillment.  Our great religious story began with an oppressed people crying out to God.  God heard them led them to freedom in the promised land.  Whatever themes and theologies have been added through the centuries, this reality remains the core: our God is compassionate and caring, a faithful God of love and life.
 
            Today, this week, take some time—that may be the biggest challenge of all—and reflect on the basis of your trust and hope. What Scriptures or prayer, what people or events have brought you to reconciliation and life?  What still nourishes your spirit?