Like sheep without a Shepherd

It is sort of appropriate to have today's gospel set here, prior to six weeks worth of Eucharistic readings.  And today's is a wonderful Gospel.  After the the disciple come back from mission, Jesus tries to take them away for some respite.  As they climb out of the boat, the crowds were already waiting for them. Mark tells us that they were like sheep without a shepherd, and Jesus had pity, or a better word, compassion, for them.

During this anniversary year of Vatican II, we hearken back to the Constitution of the Church in the Modern World, and the challenge for the Church to be a source of compassion in the world today.  When I preside, when I distribute communion, I am aware of the peoples in our parish who are in need.  We have people who struggle with loss, fear, and anxiety, of every kind.  To be sure the task of the Church is to be acutely aware of the needs and concerns of the flock.

And, as St. James will remind us, we cannot simply say, 'stay warm and well fed.'  The Church responds to the brokenness and hurt through its sacraments and ministry.  I always wish I had the numbers memorized, but the Catholic Social Services and Catholic Relief Services responds to tens of thousands of people each year, responding to their physical and spiritual needs.  This is not about bragging but this is what we do as the  body of Christ.  The shepherding continues through our ministry.

In our Church and in churches across the board, we have witnessed those that 'shepherd' on their own terms, for their own selfish gains.  There are those too who refuse to do the tough and challenging work of the shepherd, and offer a variety of spiritual cotton candy; it tastes good, but never satisfies the hunger.  In the private conversation of priests, we will speak of our brothers who believe they were ordained to be a 'bishop' or minister to the wealthy or devout.  Jesus will tell his disciples, in another Gospel, that the true shepherd not only knows his sheep, but is willing to lay down his life for them.

Sometimes folks will call me to visit them, speak with them, or anoint them.  One of the first things they do though is to apologize for "bothering me."  But this is what the Church does; we are here to listen, console, cajole, anoint, and share the Body of Christ.  The work of the Church is a ministry of interruptions.  By taking the Shepherd role seriously we continue to unfold the message and good news of the Gospel.  The story of salvation is told through words, and through "sign" language.  If we are not being bothered (or bothering sin and evil) we are not really shepherding.

Like a shepherd he feeds his flock.