SHEPHERDS SHOULD SMELL LIKE THE SHEEP

Homily for the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Bible Readings: Jeremiah 23:1-6; Ephesians 2:13-18; Mark 6:30-34

In the gospel reading of last Sunday, we witnessed the apostles being sent out on their mission by Jesus, equipped with his authority to teach and heal. Today, we see them returning, excited and eager to share their experiences with Jesus.

On their return, Jesus invited them to come away and rest (Mark 6:31). This invitation came after a period of intense activity and ministry. It shows us that Jesus cares deeply for his followers, not only for their spiritual well-being but also for their physical and emotional well-being. He understands the need for rest and renewal. Therefore, Jesus’ call to “come away and rest” is for all of us. We need to balance our work and rest and find moments of solitude and prayer, to recharge and reconnect with God. It is in these moments of quiet that we find the strength to carry out our mission. 

As they attempted to retreat, the crowds followed them, desperate for Jesus’ teaching and healing. When Jesus saw the crowd, his reaction was not one of frustration but of deep compassion. He saw them as “sheep without a shepherd” (Mark 6:34). Just as Jesus was moved by the needs of the crowd, we too must be sensitive to the needs of those around us. Compassion is not just a feeling; it is an action. It requires us to go out of our way to help others, to listen, to support, and to guide.

This image of a compassionate Jesus is rich in meaning and directly connects to today’s first reading from prophet Jeremiah. There, Jeremiah condemned the shepherds of Israel who have failed in their duty to care for the flock. These false shepherds have scattered and neglected the sheep, leading to their suffering and loss (Jeremiah 23:1-2). God’s anger against these leaders is clear, and he promised to gather the remnant of his flock and appoint a new shepherd who will care for them properly (Jeremiah 23:3-4).

Jesus stands in stark contrast to these false shepherds. His compassion for the crowd led him to teach them many things. As such, he is the fulfilment of God’s promise in Jeremiah, the righteous Branch from David’s line, the true Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. In Jesus, we find the perfect example of what it means to be a shepherd: to be moved with compassion, to serve selflessly, and to guide others to fullness of life.

In the context of our lives today, the message from prophet Jeremiah is a stark reminder to those in positions of leadership - whether in the Church as leaders, in the community as teachers, or in the family as parents - of their duty to nurture, protect, and guide those entrusted to their care. Leadership is not about power or prestige; it is about service, responsibility, and compassion. This means leading by example, being patient, and nurturing their growth in every way possible.

In the second reading, St. Paul speaks of the peace and unity that Christ brings. Through his sacrifice, he has broken down the walls of hostility and created one new humanity (Ephesians 2:14-16). This peace and unity are also the hallmarks of a good shepherd. Jesus’ ministry was about reconciling people to God and to each other, and as his followers, we are called to be agents of this reconciliation and peace in a world that is often divided.

Lastly, as we reflect on these readings, let us ask for the grace to be true shepherds, filled with compassion, committed to service, and dedicated to fostering peace and unity. Let us also remember to take time for rest and renewal, knowing that it is from this place of inner strength that we can best serve others. May we follow the example of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and bring his love and care to all we meet. Amen.