Saturday of the 4th week in the ordinary time
Theme: A true shepherd
In the gospel reading of today, we see the selfless nature of Jesus and the Apostles. They forgot about themselves and started attending to the needs of the people. Ordinarily, some of us would have given them the time to return if they truly desire to have a discussion with us. There is no doubt pointing out the fact that the Apostles have the right to get some rest as commanded by Jesus, but they preferred to attend to the needs of the people. We are all shepherds on different levels; the question today is what kind of a shepherd are you? Are you a true and selfless shepherd like Jesus and his Apostles or you are the type of shepherd that is feeding on his flock? Today’s gospel has given us an insight on what it should be; it is left for you and I to make a choice according to our conscience. Just remember that a shepherd that is self centered is a deviation away from what a true shepherd should be and what Jesus is also offering to us in today’s gospel. As shepherds, we should always be driven by love and compassion in our ministry at all times. One thing we must know is that we are partakers in the mission of Christ, and he will always sustain us when we go out of our way for the good of others.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, with this type of positive disposition it will be easier for us to put into practice the admonition from the letter to the Hebrews in today’s 1st reading. We are encouraged to always acknowledge the goodness and love of God in our lives, while we also extend the same thing to others who encounter us. Always remember that it is never too late to embrace the admonition from the word of God and begin to live it out in our daily life. The more we make honest effort to become better children of God, the more we dispose ourselves to do exploit for God. The main challenge is whether we are ready to inconvenience ourselves to make it happen in our life? However you look at it, you must be prepared to make sacrifices if you truly want to be the best version of yourself, as a child of God.
May God bless his words in our heart in the name of the father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.