Gospel Reflection

July 21, 2012

Saturday
St. Lawrence of Brindisi, Priest, Doctor of the Church (Feast)

Anticipated Sunday Mass (Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time)

by Rev. Fr. Jim Ferry

Greenbelt

First Reading:               Jeremiah 23:1-6

Psalm:                         Psalm 23:1-6

Second Reading           Ephesians 2:13-18
Gospel:                        Mark 6:30-34

30 The apostles returned to Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 And he said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a lonely place, and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a lonely place by themselves. 33 Now many saw them going, and knew them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns, and got there ahead of them. 34 As he went ashore he saw a great throng, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

HOMILY

We should be good and loving shepherds to one another like Jesus is to us. As responsible shepherds, we should care for one another and pray for God’s grace so that we can be good examples of God’s love. He admonished parents to be good role models to their children. We should bring people closer to God, and not drive them away from God’s love.