16th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Like Sheep without a Shepherd

Alfred D Thomas, The Good Shepherd, book scan from The Life of Christ by an Indian Artist: Twenty-four paintings by Alfred Thomas

Jesus had sent his disciples out in pairs, on something like work experience.  Under his authority they preached, healed and cast out demons.  Without resources, they had to trust God for everything, and be prepared for rejection.  Having returned, they ‘gathered around Jesus’: we can imagine the 12 vying for attention - all speaking at once; excited, eager, glad to be with their beloved friend and leader again…

The countryside was all abuzz with these unprecedented events. Everybody wanted to meet Jesus and his disciples – they couldn’t even eat in peace with people ‘constantly coming and going’. Finding it impossible to debrief properly, Jesus suggested they relocate to a quieter place, to relax, share their stories and rest.  Across the lake then; but alas! As land came into sight they saw the crowds who’d arrived before them.  It would have been a long walk around the lake; no doubt filled with stories of healings and exorcisms: lively discussions about the teaching they’d heard: and much speculation on whether Jesus was the Branch prophesied by Jeremiah in 23.5 – was he the One who was to bring righteousness and justice to God’s people? The Good Shepherd? He must be! He can’t be! And what next? Would he lead an army against the oppressing Romans? The air must have tingled with vibes of expectancy, as speculation about Jesus rose and fell with their dusty feet.  

It’s hard to grasp the impact Jesus had on the ordinary people, who had known his touch in healing, or handshakes; shared meals with him, and listened avidly as he taught about the reign of God. He was a breath of fresh air, warm, engaging, obviously powerful – yet humble; and he clearly cared about them. Or maybe, it’s not so hard, when we consider that his magnetic appeal is still felt after 2,000 years.  I know I, and countless millions of others know the drawing power of his love, despite never having met him in the flesh. 

The planned R & R didn’t happen. Jesus ‘had compassion on the people, because they were like sheep without a shepherd’. They needed his wise words of life and faith, and Jesus – whose hallmark is compassion, could not turn them away. 

On Friday I saw a video about the devastating disappearance of the Dead Sea, which contained footage of the Jordanian valley, lush and green with waters which previously replenished the Dead Sea, and now supply agriculture.  And behold! There was a real-life shepherd, walking along the narrow, winding paths with 2-3 hundred sheep following along happily, jostling each other and chatting sheepishly amongst themselves. There followed a close-up of the shepherd hunkered down with a young sheep, and the affection between them was as clear as day. 

So – by way of contrast - I found and watched an Australian video of sheep being moved from one place to another… sheep without a shepherd. One man and two incredible dogs herding sheep… but these sheep were harassed and alarmed, some dashing here, some there - frightened and bewildered sheep, uttering loud, distressed cries.

Some things remain unchanged.  The world is still full of God’s people (sheep)  – many without compassionate and caring leaders. Confused and frightened, they dash to and fro searching for safety and security in a world troubled by many things.

Happy are those who trust in the Lord, says Jeremiah in Ch. 17: and we are happy, and blessed indeed. Like the trees Jeremiah describes, our roots are deep and have access to Living Water, none other than Jesus himself.

Although we can’t shake his hand or hear his voice as the ancients did – Christians know that Jesus lives, and God looks compassionately on all that he’s made. (Ps 145.9)  Like the earliest disciples, we are learning to trust our ‘Shepherd’ in everything – while accepting that things do not always go well. Our blessings are multiplied however, by many resources at hand to assist us on our way: the Holy Spirit within, the Scriptures, the witness of the saints, plus the long narrative of Christian life and wisdom: the sacraments and teachings of the Church; and companions to teach, reassure, comfort and encourage us when we’re in need. All these provide a structure to support and guide our faith, and are meant to be shared with God’s other sheep, those struggling along without a shepherd.

As I speak from this beautiful church, I don’t know where you might be. Perhaps you are snuggled up on the sofa with coffee and raisin toast, comfy and secure. 

Maybe this whole lockdown thing has left you frustrated, or your faith is currently a bit shaky. 

Someone might be lonely, frightened, or ill – I can’t tell, because all I see are rows of seats emptied by a nasty little virus. 

Whatever your circumstances are today, I invite you to join me in offering praise to God, who has given us an inestimable gift in Jesus Christ; who reveals God’s love and purpose for humanity, providing the guidance, patience and kindness of a good shepherd. The knowledge of God’s love, beauty and strength gives us confidence to follow Jesus wherever he may lead.

These words were written by a simple, poor man, who knew in the marrow of his bones that God’s love was big enough to carry him through anything and everything, not stopping at the gates of death but continuing through all eternity. 

An excerpt from The Praises of God, by St Francis:

You are holy, Lord, the only God, you do wonders.
You are strong, you are great, you are the most high.
Holy Father, the King of heaven and earth.
You are three and One, Lord God of gods;
you are good, all good, the highest good,
Lord God, living and true.
You are love, charity.
You are wisdom; you are humility; you are patience;
you are beauty; you are meekness; you are security;
you are inner peace; you are our hope and joy;
you are justice; you are moderation, you are all our riches.
You are the guardian and defender;
you are our strength; you are refreshment.
You are our faith, you are our charity,
you are all our sweetness,
you are our eternal life:
great and wonderful Lord,
God Almighty, Merciful Saviour.