Sixteenth Sunday on Ordinary Time
Fr Dominic’s Homily
This passage is set after the disciples returned from their mission of preaching and healing. They were eager to share their experiences with Jesus but were also exhausted from their strenuous work. Jesus recognised their need for rest and invited them to come away with Him to a quiet place.
This setting helps us understand two aspects of Jesus' ministry: His compassion and His recognition of our need for rest.
The disciples were so busy with their ministry activities that they didn’t even have time to eat. Jesus’ invitation to "come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest" is a gentle reminder that we need to take time to rest and recharge.
In our fast-paced lives, we often find ourselves overwhelmed with work, studies, family responsibilities, and social commitments. We can easily relate to the disciples' exhaustion. Jesus understands our weariness and invites us to rest in His presence. Psalm 23 tells us: "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul."
Taking time to rest and be with God rejuvenates our spirit, allowing us to continue our work with renewed energy and purpose.
Rest is not just physical; it is also spiritual. It involves taking time to be in God’s presence, to pray, and to reflect. Jesus shows us that rest is not a luxury but a necessity. Just as He invited the disciples to step away from their work and find solitude, He invites us to do the same.
When Jesus and His disciples arrived at their intended place of rest, they found a large crowd waiting for them. Despite His own need for rest, Jesus was moved with compassion. He saw the people as "sheep without a shepherd" and began to teach them many things.
The Greek word for compassion used here denotes a deep, gut-wrenching empathy. Jesus' compassion wasn’t just an emotion; it moved Him to action. He saw the crowd’s spiritual hunger and responded by teaching and guiding them.
This passage challenges us to reflect on our own capacity for compassion. True compassion moves us to act, to reach out, and to help those in need, even when it is inconvenient for us. Jesus put aside His own need for rest to address the needs of the crowd.
Jesus described the crowd as "sheep without a shepherd." Sheep are vulnerable and easily led astray without a shepherd to guide and protect them. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, steps in to provide guidance, protection, and care.
Jesus is the good shepherd. He knows each of us personally and cares deeply for our well-being. When we feel lost, confused, or overwhelmed, we can trust Jesus to lead us and provide for our needs. His teachings and presence guide us through life’s challenges, ensuring we do not wander aimlessly.
His role as the Good Shepherd reassures us that we are never alone. He is always with us, guiding us, and caring for us. We are His flock, and He is our Shepherd. This relationship is one of trust and love. We can rely on Him to lead us to green pastures and still waters.
So what does this mean for us?
1. Prioritise Rest: Make it a habit to take breaks and rest. This includes spending time in prayer and reflection, away from the distractions and demands of daily life. Jesus shows us that rest is not a luxury but a necessity. Find moments in your day to step back, breathe, and connect with God.
2. Cultivate Compassion: Follow Jesus’ example of compassion. Look for opportunities to help those in need around you. Sometimes, a simple act of kindness can make a huge difference in someone’s life. Let your compassion move you to action.
3. Seek Jesus’ Guidance: Trust in Jesus as your Shepherd. When you feel lost or overwhelmed, turn to Him in prayer. Allow His teachings and His presence to guide your decisions and actions.
Jesus cares deeply about our well-being. He invites us to find rest in Him and calls us to show compassion to others. Life can be busy and overwhelming, but in Jesus, we find the rest and guidance we need.
Let us embrace His invitation to come away and rest, and let us be moved with compassion for those around us. May we trust in Him as our Good Shepherd, knowing that He leads us, protects us, and provides for all our needs.