Sunday, July 21st Proper 11
The apostles gathered around Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored the boat. When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed. Mark 6:30-34, 53-56
They were like sheep without a shepherd, could be said of us in this time in history. We often are anxious and full of panic because of world events, the challenges of daily living, and the health challenges many suffer. We often look for leaders to fix things, when what we really need is shepherds. Shepherds lead from behind and in the midst, they care for the feeding and health of their flocks and stay up through the night in storms, dangerous seasons and challenging places. Jesus, our gentle and loving Chief Shepherd, stands behind us and in our midst, gently guiding us, renewing us and bringing us to safe pastures.
A Litany for July 20, 2024
Loving Creator, you are our caring shepherd
you surround us with your daily loving care
you guide us, direct us and feed everyone
and bring us through the storms of our lives.
Tender Shepherd, make us you flock now and always.
Too often we run wildly in panic and fear
we believe we are on our own in this mess
and we look for you ahead of us calling
yet you are always here, gathering us up.
Tender Shepherd, make us you flock now and always.
There is much suffering and anxiety here
the challenges ahead are fearful and dangerous
we live with too much uncertainty and change
and long to be brought back to gentle pastures.
Tender Shepherd, make us you flock now and always.
You are the greatest shepherd of all time
leading with love in the midst of us.
Tender Shepherd, make us you flock now and always.
We are lost, forlorn and without direction
yet you promise to always bring us back home.
Tender Shepherd, make us you flock now and always.
Make us your flock today, your people again
we will listen to your voice and share your love.
Tender Shepherd, make us you flock now and always. Amen.
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