Stay “hired” as shepherds and disciples

Homily for July 19, 2015 (16th Sunday in Ordinary Time)
Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 23; Ephesians 2:13-18; Mark 6:30-34

Donald Trump has been in the news a lot over the past several weeks.  As one of over 15 candidates to be the Republican Party’s nominee for President in the next election, he has troubled or even enraged many people and energized others by his recent remarks about immigrants coming from Mexico.  Mr. Trump’s demeanor and manner of dealing with people have been described in many ways. However, “subtle,” “tactful” and “well-informed” are probably not among them.  As a very wealthy man and the star of the TV show The Apprentice, he is most famous for telling contestants the words that no employee wants to hear: “You’re fired!”

With a little more eloquence, undoubtedly more forethought, and a lot more patience, God pretty much tells the religious and political leaders of the kingdom of Judah the same thing:  “You’re fired!  Instead of shepherding my people, you’ve been misleading and scattering them.”  However, the message that we as bearers and beneficiaries of the Good News most need to hear is the one that God delivers through Jeremiah:  “Listen, I’ll show you how what it means to be a real shepherd:  gathering the sheep rather than scattering them; caring for them more than caring for yourself; bringing back those who have been lost.  And don’t worry—when I’m done I’ll make sure to appoint someone who will follow my example.”

Psalm 23 further describes what it means to shepherd others—whether we do it as parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, employers, managers or ministers.  A good shepherd gives others rest; leads and refreshes; guides them on right paths; encourages them; walks with them, even in the darkest and deadliest times; feeds them and blesses them.  When the apostles returned from shepherding others—preaching, teaching and healing—Jesus was a shepherd to them, inviting them to an out-of-the way place where they could be alone and rest.  Then, when it seemed as if they wouldn’t get that chance because the crowds who followed them seemed so lost and in such great need, Jesus himself stepped in with profound compassion and taught them himself.

As Christians, we believe that the shepherd—“the righteous shoot” that God promised to give the people of Israel through Jeremiah—was Jesus.  In his ministry, through his cross and even in his person, he brought together those who had been separated:  Jew and gentile, man and woman, servant and free.  He broke the walls that had kept them apart.  He handed on to us that same work of reconciliation.  Instead of living in the fear of being “fired” by God, we are invited to live in faith and grow in our daily desire and ability stay “hired” as shepherds and disciples of the Good Shepherd, following his example of strength, courage and compassion.  +