The Shepherd and the shepherds

 

‘LORD THAT I MAY SEE.’

A SHORT COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF THE DAY

 

Gospel

Mark 6:30-34

They were like sheep without a shepherd

1.      The apostles re-joined Jesus

2.      and told him all they had done and taught.

3.      Then he said to them,

4.      ‘You must come away to some lonely place all by yourselves and rest for a while’;

5.      for there were so many coming and going that the apostles had no time even to eat.

6.      So they went off in a boat to a lonely place where they could be by themselves.

7.      But people saw them going, and many could guess where;

8.      and from every town they all hurried to the place on foot and reached it before them.

9.      So as he stepped ashore

10. he saw a large crowd;

11. and he took pity on them

12. because they were like sheep without a shepherd,

13. and he set himself to teach them at some length.

 

Apostles are called to be with Jesus (Mark 3:14). This is the primary aspect of their vocation. This is both a physical and spiritual companionship with Jesus. So they go out from Jesus to preach and return to him after preaching. Then they are to spend time alone with Jesus to relax, be renewed and re-energized. This was for the Twelve Apostles and for all apostles today as well. Jesus is the source and end of all their activity.

Then Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, will teach them how to be good shepherds. He does this not only by word but by his example. We are to follow him. He lives for them. He will die that they may live – with God forever.

That day, he felt the pain they suffered – they were lost. They had no priests who were concerned about them and helped them experience the infinite love God has for them. They were just given barren laws without the Spirit. And so, his heart is deeply moved and he puts aside his own comfort and preaches God’s true Word to them.

Pastors today must be like him.