Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for July 19. 2015
The Prophet Jeremiah, Greek Orthodox icon.
Before we reach the Good Shepherd in today’s Psalm and Mark’s verses about the “sheep without a shepherd” in the Gospel, the Prophet Jeremiah reminds us that, counter to the image of God as loving shepherd, there are bad shepherds who would destroy the flock and send its sheep running away. God will attend to these evildoers, the prophet says, envisioning the Temple restored on Mount Zion and a successor seated on King David’s throne. Then the sheep will be gathered in when the people return to Jerusalem.
Psalm: Psalm 23
If you think we’ve heard this beloved Psalm recently, you are correct. Our Lectionary readings return to it often – five times in the three-year cycle – perhaps because it is so popular in its assurance that God’s goodness and mercy are always with us. If you’re feeling lost or uneasy, try using the 23rd Psalm in prayer: Sit quietly. Say the verses once or twice. Breathe deeply and relax. Close your eyes, and try to feel the comforting presence of the Shepherd. Sit with it for a while and be thankful for God’s restoring grace.
Second Reading: Ephesians 2:11-22
The author of the letter to the Ephesians takes pains to assure both Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians that all have become one through Christ Jesus, the cornerstone, who brings near even those who were far away. The context here is that Christianity was actively gathering in Gentile converts when this letter was being written, and it was important to emphasize that all were one in Christ.
Gospel: Mark 6:30-34, 53-56
Do you remember Mark’s Gospel, two Sundays past, when Jesus sent his disciples out in pairs to heal and to teach the good news? Now they’re back, full of stories about their mission, and bone-weary, too. They go off in the boat to rest, but the eager crowds follow them, and Jesus can’t help responding, because these sheep needed a shepherd. Then (after we skip over two stories that aren’t read today), they land on the other side. The people there, too, come running like a huge flock of sheep to see Jesus, and he willingly touches and heals all who come.