REFLECTION OF THE WORD OF GOD. Sunday 16th in Ordinary Time.

The prophet Jeremiah announces an ideal time for a dispersed, battered and hopeless people. God himself is going to intervene using new and better shepherds. We see in Jesus the fulfillment of this promise. He has gathered together, Saint Paul tells us, those from far away and those near to reconcile us with his Father.

Christ has restored the friendly relations between God and men that had been broken by sin. He is the Savior who takes pity on the scattered and disoriented crowd. His word guides and gives life. Christ detects the lack of guidance and the need for salvation of the abandoned. The disciples have learned from the Master and now as apostles they are associated with the mission. In this way, through new shepherds, Saint Mark shows us the fulfillment of the prophecies. That is why we sing with Psalm 22: The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.