The last segment of today’s gospel (Mark 6, 30-34; 34,) reads: “his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.” The first reading (Hebrews 13, 15-17, 20-21), already opens up the themes where Jesus is depicted with the duty of a shepherd. As we know, the letter to the Hebrews features the themes of Jesus’ priesthood aligned tightly with the figure of Melchizedek of the Old Testament. Melchizedek was designated in the Old Testament as both a priest (of righteousness) and a King of Peace (Genesis 14,17-20). In the letter to the Hebrews (Heb,7), this priesthood of Melchizedek is repeated in relation to Christ. (This whole letter to the Hebrews is worth reading for one who wishes to discover the meaning attached to Jesus’ priesthood and its connection to faith).
Following the explications of the priesthood of Christ and on faith, the excerpt of today’s reading, which is the tail end of the letter, summarizes what has been said with the injunctions: to offer constant sacrifice of praise to God, to constantly do good and share our gifts, and to obey and pray for leaders. It then concludes with a blessing. The Gospel as already mentioned, presents Jesus as the faithful shepherd. The aspects of followership designated with the image of “sheep without a shepherd” has deep meaning for me and I invite you to reflect with me on this theme.
The Priesthood and God Disempowered
Priesthood, leadership and discipleship are all complicated themes in today’s world. In the world of the bible, priests, elders and leaders enjoyed a special respect attached to their duties. They intercede for the people before God, are guide for actions, they ensure the wellbeing of the people and their land. Most of all, they represent righteousness and make sacrifices for their people.
In contrast to today’s world, priesthood, leadership and followership is taken for granted. In some cases, the shepherds have not been able to maintain its statuesque. And, in those biblical days, God enjoyed a lot of reverence and awe. In today’s world the awe and reverence for God is reduced. Where God still exists in the perspective of most people, the approach has lost its awe and reverence. We can easily connect with God and say hi without needing an intercessor. What privilege! Nevertheless, does the privilege of easy access to God relieve us of the need for guidance? Do we know the road so well that we do not need a Navigator or shepherds anymore?
Availing Oneself of Guidance of the Shepherd
The crowd in today’s gospel were aware of their need for a support and sought for it. In the tradition of non-violent communication developed by Marshall Rosenberg, recognizing a need is basic for one’s own wellbeing and that of the other, since it makes it easier for the one to communicate and for the other to respond.
Unfortunately, we live in a time when expressing a need seems to indicate weakness and so we shy away from our needs. We live in a world of the powerful. It is a taboo for instance; to acknowledge that being a woman goes with some sort of need and likewise for the men. We all want to be independent even when deep inside us we recognize that we have a need and do need help. But no! We don’t say it! We must push on. It is also justifiable given that no one cares. Neither the priests nor the leaders. The shepherds also desert their flock at some cases. Hence, we learn to get used to doing it ourselves and in our own way.
Significant Meaning
The definition of Jesus as a great shepherd in today’s two readings bears significant meaning for us. The letter to the Hebrew 4, 15-16 says: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect who has been tested as we are.” We cannot live like sheep without a shepherd, lacking direction and exposed to danger. Jesus offers us great assurance, that we can always find help in a time of need. We need only to seek out and follow the shepherd and present our need as the crowd in today’s gospel did. May God bless these words in our hearts, Amen.
