Readings(Jerusalem Bible: Australia, England & Wales, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland)
Readings (New American Bible: Philippines, USA)
Gospel Mark 6:30-34 (English Standard Version, Anglicised)
The apostles
returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, “Come
away by yourselves to a desolate place 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 desolate place
by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and
they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When he went ashore he saw a
great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep
without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.
This is Pope Benedict's Angelus talk on Sunday 22 July 2012. He refers to St Mary Magdalene, whose feast is celebrated on 22 July, though not observed liturgically that year because it fell on Sunday. I have highlighted parts of the Pope's talk.
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The Word of God this Sunday presents us once again with a fundamental, ever fascinating theme of the Bible; it reminds us that God is the Shepherd of humanity. This means that God wants life for us, he wants to guide us to good pastures where we can be nourished and rest. He does not want us to be lost and to perish, but to reach the destination of our journey which is the fullness of life itself. This is what every father and mother desires for their children: their good, their happiness and their fulfilment.
In today’s Gospel Jesus presents himself as the Shepherd of the lost sheep of the House of Israel. He beholds the people, so to speak, with a 'pastoral' gaze. For example, this Sunday’s Gospel says: As he disembarked, 'he saw a great throng, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things' (Mk 6:34). Jesus embodies God the Shepherd with his manner of preaching and his works, caring for the sick and sinners, for those who are 'lost' (cf. Lk 19:10), in order to bring them back to safety through the Father’s mercy.
Among the 'lost sheep' that Jesus rescued there was also a woman called Mary, a native of the village of Magdala on the Sea of Galilee, who for this reason was known as 'Magdalene'. It is her liturgical Memorial in the Church Calendar of today. [Pope Francis has raised it to the rank of Feast.] Luke the Evangelist says that Jesus cast out seven demons from her (cf. Lk 8:2), that is, he saved her from total enslavement to the Evil One. In what does this profound healing which God works through Jesus consist? It consists in true, complete peace, brought about by the inner reconciliation of the person, as well as in every other relationship: with God, with other people and with the world. Indeed, the Evil One always seeks to spoil God’s work, sowing division in the human heart, between body and soul, between the individual and God, in interpersonal, social and international relations, as well as between human beings and creation. The Evil One sows discord; God creates peace. Indeed, as St Paul says, Christ is our peace, he who made us both one and broke down the dividing wall of enmity, through his flesh (cf. Eph 2:14).
In order to carry out this work of radical reconciliation Jesus the Good Shepherd had to become a Lamb, 'the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world' (Jn 1:29). Only in this way could he keep the marvellous promise of the Psalm: 'Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me / all the days of my life; / and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord / for ever' (Ps 23[22]:6).
Dear friends, these words make our heart beat fast for they express our deepest desire, they say what we are made for: life, eternal life! These are the words of those who, like Mary Magdalene, have experienced God in their life and know his peace. They are words truer than ever on the lips of the Virgin Mary, who already lives for eternity in the pastures of Heaven where the Shepherd-Lamb led her. Mary, Mother of Christ our peace, pray for us!
Responsorial Psalm
Responsorial Psalm Ps 22[23].
Response The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
1. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose.
Near restful waters he leads me, to revive my drooping spirit. Response
2. He guides me along the right path; he is true to his name.
If I should walk in the valley of darkness no evil would I fear.
You are there with your crook and your staff; with these you give me comfort. Response
3. You have prepared a banquet for me in the sight of my foes.
My head you have anointed with oil; my cup is overflowing. Response
4. Surely goodness and kindness shall follow me all the days of my life.
In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell for ever and ever. Response
Traditional Latin Mass
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
The Complete Mass in Latin and English is here. (Adjust the date at the top of that page to 07-21-2022 if necessary).
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 10:6-13. Gospel: Luke 19:41-47.
1 comment:
Dearest Father Seán,
The Lord is My Shepherd is such a powerful statement.
Love the angelic Celtic version of The Lord is my Shepherd.
Christ cleansing the temple is another side of our Lord.
Hugs,
Mariette
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