1ST READING
Jeremiah reminds all leaders (shepherds of the people of God) that they have a responsibility to care for the people and that one day they will have to answer for this responsibility. This reminds us that we are answerable before God for the roles we take on in life. Whatever we do in life, we will have responsibilities – let us be realistic about what we can do so that we will equip ourselves well in our tasks.
Jeremiah 23:1-6
1 Woe to the shepherds who mislead and scatter the flock of my pasture, says the Lord. 2 Therefore, thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, against the shepherds who shepherd my people: You have scattered my sheep and driven them away. You have not cared for them, but I will take care to punish your evil deeds. 3 I myself will gather the remnant of my flock from all the lands to which I have driven them and bring them back to their meadow; there they shall increase and multiply. 4 I will appoint shepherds for them who will shepherd them so that they need no longer fear and tremble; and none shall be missing, says the Lord. 5 Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up a righteous shoot to David; as king he shall reign and govern wisely, he shall do what is just and right in the land. 6 In his days Judah shall be saved, Israel shall dwell in security. This is the name they give him: “The Lord our justice.”
P S A L M
Psalm 23:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6
R: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 In verdant pastures he gives me repose; beside restful waters he leads me; 3 he refreshes my soul. (R) He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side with your rod and your staff that give me courage. (R) 5 You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. (R) 6 Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come. (R)
2ND READING
Jesus is the icon of what it means to be a human being. Because He is without sin He will always be something of an elusive goal for us sinners. However, we need to be called on in this way otherwise we may never reach our full potential. Let us open our hearts more fully to the grace of God so that He can accomplish within us the work He desires to do.
Ephesians 2:13-18
13 Brothers and sisters: In Christ Jesus you who once were far off have become near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, he who made both one and broke down the dividing wall of enmity, through his flesh, 15 abolishing the law with its commandments and legal claims, that he might create in himself one new person in place of the two, thus establishing peace, 16 and might reconcile both with God, in one body, through the cross, putting that enmity to death by it. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near, 18 for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
GOSPEL
Jesus tells His disciples of the importance of prayer and reflection. Holiness is an impossible dream unless we are willing to commit ourselves to long hours of prayer and reflection. Ultimately, the effort we make in prayer will bear fruit to such a point that it will become almost effortless to maintain our relationship with God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.
Mark 6:30-34
30 The apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. 31 He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. 32 So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. 33 People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them. 34 When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.
1st READING 2nd READING
GOSPEL PSALM
TODAY’S
BLESSING
LIST
think: We are answerable before God for the roles we take on in life.
T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________
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God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Tobit 12-14
SABBATH PAUSE
My weekly time with God
THANK YOU LIST
Things to be grateful for from the past week
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SPECIAL NEEDS
Things to ask God for in the coming week
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HIDDEN TREASURE
Most important word God told me this week
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