THEME: SHEPHERDS OF THE NATION
READINGS: Jeremiah 23:1-6/ Psalm 23/ Ephesians 2:13-18/ Mark 6:30-34
16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 2024
INTRODUCTION
The Lord God is our supreme shepherd (cf. Psalm 23). He, however, chose kings as shepherds of Israel and Judah. Displeased with the kings at the time of the prophet Jeremiah, God promised to send the nation responsible shepherds (cf. Jer. 23:1-6). Jesus Christ is the one who truly fulfills this promise of God (Mark 6:30-34).
- GOD AS SHEPHERD
As a young man, King David was a shepherd who took care of the flock of his father, Jesse. From his experience as a shepherd, King David would describe God as a shepherd (cf. Psalm 23). Firstly, as a shepherd, David made sure that his father’s flock were never in want, and so he would say of God: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1).
Secondly, the shepherd David took his father’s flock to pasture and where they could find water. Hence, he would say of God: “he makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul” (Psalm 23:2-3). Indeed, God provides for us more in abundance than any human shepherd could do, so David would add: “my cup overflows” (Psalm 23:5).
Thirdly, the shepherd David led his father’s flock along the right path: the path of safety to pasture or home. Similarly, he could say of God: “He leads me in right paths for His name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3).
Fourthly, the shepherd David protected his father’s flock against the attacks of wild beasts. With the help of God, he fought and killed lions and bears (cf. 1 Sam. 17:34-37). So, he trusted absolutely in God’s protection. Thus, he said: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff – they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4).
Fifthly, David’s father’s flock feasted in safety even in places where there were wild beasts, because they were assured of his protection. So, he would say to God: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” (Psalm 23:5).
Sixth, even the best of human shepherds, at times sell or kill and eat the meat of their sheep. In pleasant contrast, David discovered the supreme and endless goodness of God. So, he would say: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” (Psalm 23:6).
Seventh, why is God so good and merciful to us? It is because, He sees us as royals of His household. Thus, as kings of Israel were anointed, so David would acknowledge: “you anoint my head with oil” (Psalm 23:5).
Finally, as royals always belong to the household of the king, so David would happily declare: “I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long” (Psalm 23:6).
- KINGS AS SHEPHERDS
Though God was the ultimate King of Israel, He allowed them to have human kings (Saul, David, Solomon, etc.). Like Him, the human kings were to shepherd His people (cf. Jer. 23:1-6, Ezek. 34). Therefore, the shepherd-kings were to provide for the people’s needs, protect them, lead them along the path of righteousness, ensure justice, prosperity of the nation, cherish every citizen (especially the poor and vulnerable) as God’s royals, etc.
Unfortunately, during the four decades of Jeremiah’s prophetic ministry, the kings (eg. Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, etc.) failed as shepherds of Judah (cf. Jer. 21-23). They pursued their selfish interests and perpetrated injustice, including the ill-treatment of the poor, orphans, widows and strangers (cf. Jer. 22:3-4, 16). For instance, Jeremiah exposed the wickedness of King Jehoiakim, saying: “Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness,and his upper rooms by injustice; who makes his neighbors work for nothing,and does not give them their wages” (Jer. 22:13). Jeremiah continued: “your eyes and heartare only on your dishonest gain,for shedding innocent blood,and for practicing oppression and violence” (Jer. 22:17).
When natural shepherds fail to take care of their flock, they are plundered and scattered. Similarly, when the kings of Judah failed to shepherd their nation, Jerusalem was destroyed, the kings were captured and killed, many citizens were also killed and a greater portion sent into exile in Babylon.
- FAILED SHEPHERDS OF OUR NATION
Today in Ghana and other nations, leaders of successive governments have failed to shepherd their people. The litany of failed actions (selfish gains, injustice, neglect of the poor and vulnerable, etc.) of the shepherd-kings of Judah have been repeated or even magnified by our leaders in diverse ways.
The outcome of the failures of today’s shepherds is obvious: “premature” deaths due to poor healthcare provision; poor standard of education; lack of employment; unjust treatment of many people; the destruction of the land, forest and water bodies; the prevalence of economic exiles; etc. In short, the majority of the citizens have become like “sheep without a shepherd” (Mark 6:34).
- THE PROMISED GOOD SHEPHERD
When the shepherd-kings of Judah had failed, God promised to send responsible shepherds (cf. Jer. 23:4). Among them, a son of David would become an outstanding shepherd (cf. Jer. 23:4-6).
Jesus Christ is the one who fulfills the promise: He is the good shepherd par excellence (cf. John 10:1-18). He provides for us and selflessly died for us so that we will have life in abundance (cf. John 10:10). In today’s gospel reading, for instance, because of His great shepherd-compassion, Christ saw the crowd as “sheep without a shepherd” (Mark 6:34). To the sick, perplexed and tired, He gave hope by His healing and teaching (cf. Mark 6:34). And to the hungry, He gave bread and fish in abundance (cf. Mark 6:35-44).
CONCLUSION
The shepherds of our nation should, therefore, learn from Christ, the Good Shepherd. They should prioritize the needs of the citizens and selflessly create the enabling environment for the required provisions to be realized.
Finally, besides the shepherds in the executive, legislative and judiciary, let us all learn from Christ the Good Shepherd, to selflessly contribute to make our nation great, just and prosperous. Amen!
By Most Rev. John Kobina Louis
