16^th Sunday In ordinary Time

(19^th July 2009)

“…he had pity on them

because they were

like sheep

without a shepherd…”

THE 7 STEPS

SILENCE

WORSHIP

SCRIPTURE READING

MEDITATION

BY HEART

INTERCESSION

COVENANT PRAYER

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SCRIPTURE READING: MK. 6:30-34

“…The apostles joined Jesus and told him all they had done and taught.  Then he said to them, ‘You must come away to some lonely place all by yourselves and rest for a while’; for there were so many coming and going that the apostles had no time even to eat.  So they went off in a boat to a lonely place where they could be by themselves.  But people saw them going, and many could guess where; and from every town they all hurried to the place on foot and reached it before them. So as he stepped ashore he saw a large crowd; and he took pity on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he set himself to teach them…

Questions for Meditation

1.      When the disciples came back from their mission, what did they do?  Why did they tell Jesus all they have done and taught?

2.      Why didn’t the disciples have any time even to eat?  Realizing this, what did Jesus tell the disciples to do?  What does this tell you about the relationship between Jesus and his disciples?

3.      When the people saw Jesus and his disciples going away, what did they do?  How did they travel?  What were they like?  When Jesus saw them, how did he feel?  In the end, what did he do?     

By Heart: for Reflection

The disciples depend on Jesus.  He was their reference point.  Their whole world revolved around him.  Without Jesus, the disciples would lose their sense of identity and even their sense of purpose.  That is why with Jesus, they were sheep with a shepherd.  The life of the disciples were characterized being with Jesus (read Mk. 3:14) and putting into practice every words of Jesus.

However, the people were like sheep without a shepherd because they have not yet found Jesus.  They were really searching for him and realized that there is something special about Jesus and he can make a difference in their lives.  When Jesus saw them, they were no longer sheep without a shepherd for they have finally found the Good Shepherd who would one day lay down his life for his sheep.      

-          Are we like the disciples who were like sheep with a shepherd? 

-          Are we like the crowd who were like sheep without a shepherd?

Intercessions:

1.      For the shepherds of the Church, that they might follow the examples of Jesus and lead their flock with a compassionate heart

2.      For those who are seeking for God, that they might discover the depth of the love that God has for them

3.      For those who are sick and suffering, that they might be strengthened by the grace of God to trust in his healing power

4.      For families in difficulties, that they might be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit to live and love as Jesus showed us

5.      For young people, that they might be touched by the word of God to be examples of compassion and love in today’s world

Covenant Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, by your suffering, death and resurrection, you give us new life:  a life filled with joy and purpose; a life only you can give it, for you are the source of life.  Guide us on our pilgrimage of life, that following you faithfully as your disciples, we may witness boldly to the world, your love and truth.  Enlighten our minds and hearts that your Word which we read and meditated may take roots in our lives.  Help us not to fall into sin and if we do fall due to our human weakness, bring us back to you for you are the way, the truth and the life. We also pray for all our brothers and sisters, wherever they are, who are committed to this prayer, that their faith may be strengthened, their hope assured and their love fulfilled.  In your name we humbly pray.  Amen