16TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR B)

1st Reading         Jeremiah 23:1-6

Psalm                    23: 1-3a. 3b-4. 5. 6 (R. 1).

R://"The Lord is my Shepherd; there is nothing I shall want"

2nd Reading       Ephesians 2:13-18

Gospel                  Mark 6: 30-34

GOD IS STILL GATHERING HIS FLOCK

Today is the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B). Last Sunday, we realised that we are on a journey through life as indicated by the Church’s liturgical year. As we journey together, we acknowledge the indispensable place for leadership. The Word of God for this Sunday focuses on leaders, those entrusted with the duty of being at the forefront of affairs in a community. 

There is much to say about leaders and leadership. However, I suggest that we stay within the context of the first reading from Jeremiah 23: 1-6. This passage is one of those passages that directly hit the issue of shepherding in Scripture. The word SHEPHERD (רָעָה (ra'ah)) appears in the first reading 5 times. The issue of Shepherd is at the heart of Israel's culture because the Patriarchs were shepherds — Abraham (Gen. 13: 7-8), Isaac (Gen. 25: 27), Jacob (Gen. 30: 31-43). Moses is also a Shepherd (Exod. 2: 15-22; 3: 1-4). Therefore, shepherding in Israel is not an issue and occupation to belittle. 

Three groups of people are regarded as shepherds in Scripture — The King, The Prophet, and the Priest. They are the leaders of any Israelite community. Again, shepherding is not limited to a group, but everyone can be identified with one of them in a way since each Israelite belongs to a tribe and these tribes have these specific duties. Some tribes become kings, while others become priests. Still, others are called to become prophets, though Prophetism is not tied to tribal lines. The first reading addresses the many kings, priests, and prophets, thus, the shepherds who fail to take care of God's people.  The author tells us about the oppressive atmosphere of despair and the scattering of God's flock resulting from self-centeredness (23: 1-2). However, the author opens the door to a new and promising future by presenting rulers who will act in conformity to the nature of their office (23: 4-6).

The change involves three groups or individuals — the people, the rulers, and YHWH. These groups relate to three significant moments in the history of Israel.

The Word of God says that "the people" who were scattered will be gathered together, and "they will be fruitful and multiply" (v. 3). This takes us back to Genesis 1: 28. This is the account of creation. This phrase appeared already in Genesis 1: 22 on the 5th Day of Creation as God's command to the sea and sky creatures. Also, after the flood, in Genesis 9: 1, "God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them: Be fruitful and multiply". In Leviticus 26: 9, God promises Israel that they will be fruitful and multiply as one reward for obedience. The implication is clear from all these instances that whenever God is making something (a)new, that command and promise is sure to follow. In fact, whenever God is acting after moments of destruction and disorderliness, we hear "fruitful and multiply." Jeremiah says that God will gather what is available, the remainder or the rest of his flock, and impart this blessing of fruitfulness and abundance on them. This is a blessing because whenever we hear "be fruitful and multiply," what comes before it is "blessing" (Barak). It is interesting to know that the Hebrew word for "create" (bara') is related to it. How? Both words come from the same Hebrew root "bar," which conveys a sense of "bringing into being" or "making something exist." The first thing Jeremiah says God will do will be to bring his people back to existence, and the first command to be in abundance will manifest. Only what is dead is brought back to life. Therefore, they will gain life, and have it in abundance.

The second group is the "rulers." Thus, "I will raise up shepherds to look after them" (v. 4). There will be new rulers or new shepherds. The leadership is spoken about in the future, referring to one person, thus, "a righteous branch for David; as King he shall reign..." (23: 5). We could safely point to the future Messiah, coming from the line of David, who will rule well and care for God's people according to God's will. In this figure will be found the qualities of good leadership and the summation of the Law. The qualities are wisdom, honesty, and integrity. When these 3 qualities are present in a ruler, the subjects will not fear anymore. 

The third individual is YHWH himself. The new beginning and the appointment of a wise, honest and just leader is done by God himself. It is only God who sees the measure of a good leader. He alone knows what is good for his people at a particular time. He is the SHEPHERD. All other earthly shepherds are appointed according to his will and they manifest his will. 

On this 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B), we would like to pray for all leaders and ourselves. May they be docile to God's will. May we also who are leaders in various facets of life be ready to manifest his will. May we allow ourselves to be instruments by which God will gather his scattered people. 

Pax et Bonum