Sixteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Dear Friends,

As we gather for the 16th Sunday of Ordinary Time, the readings speak to us about the true nature of leadership through the role of a shepherd and his sheep.

In today's Gospel reading, we read how Jesus and his disciples look for some rest after their busy ministry. However, there were unable to find it, with such a big crowd following them. Despite not even having enough “time to eat” and surely very tired, Jesus responds compassionately to the crowd, putting aside his own needs and ministering to them. Jesus shows us by example how true leadership must be motivated by love, or the willing of the good of the other.

This selfless character of a leader is further expanded upon by the first reading in Jeremiah, where he first critiques the shepherds who scatter and abandon their flocks. By contrast, the shepherd that the Lord promises to him is a righteous one, a descendant of David, who will care for his people with both justice and care.

As we reflect on these readings, let us consider how we can emulate Jesus’s example of leadership to others and to ourselves. Let us also think about how we can better sacrifice our desires for others and better cooperate with God’s grace and commandments throughout our lives. May this Sunday’s readings inspire us to deepen our commitment following the example set by Jesus, the Good Shepherd who guides and cares for us all.

Ken Kaproth, Penn Newman President