Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk
16th
Sunday of the Year, B – July 22, 2018.
Readings:
Jeremiah 23:1-6; Ps 22:1-6; Ephesians 2:13-18;
Gospel – Mark 6:30-34.
Theme
– The Leadership Question: Jesus’ Model!
Introduction
Beloved
in Christ, our liturgy today comes hard on the Shepherds of God’s flock because
of their reckless style of leadership. As a result of their poor leadership approach,
God promised to supplant them by promising to raise up a true Shepherd that
would smell like the sheep. The Shepherd who comes from the Davidic dynasty is
Jesus who displays unlimited compassion for the flock by feeding them with the
word of God. Our reflection titled, “The Leadership Question: Jesus’ Model” shall briefly look at
the background to the readings in the light of pastoral application and
practical lessons.
Background & Summary of the
Readings
In
the first reading (Jeremiah
23:1-6),
judgment is focused on shepherds of Israel. First of all, it is important to
note that in the Ancient Near East, shepherds came from among the poor in
society. However, the word was used to refer to a king. Secondly, it could be
misleading to strictly apply the term “shepherd” to Old Testament priests and
prophets as an exclusive reference to “pastors of souls” since the Israeli
community ran a theocracy that made the king a religious leader. That can be
used eisegetically (imposing meaning) or in terms of extrapolation.
That
being said, let us come back to the point at issue. The sacred text discloses
that the kings of Judah who were responsible for providing protection and
sustenance for their flock by defending them against marauders failed in their
duty. They also did not make efforts to search for the lost sheep or rescue
those in dander. This is why God accused them for both destroying and
scattering his sheep. According to Solvang (2018), some of these shepherds who
performed poorly were, Jehoahaz (who ruled for 3 months, 609 BCE – Jer.
22:11-12), Jehoiakim (609-598 – Jer. 22:18), Jehoiachin (who ruled for 3
months, 597 BCE) and Zedekiah (597-587 BCE – Jer. 21:3-7).
These
kings failed to judge the cause of the poor and needy (Jer. 22:17) and execute
justice to deliver the helpless out of the hand of the oppressor (Jer. 21:12).
As a result, God’s divine judgment came upon these leaders. They came under
heavy attack by God who accused them of being self-serving. He, therefore,
promised a new leadership through the Davidic dynasty (Jer. 23:5 & 6). This
points us to the gospel.
In
the second reading, (Ephesians
2:13-18), St. Paul assures that we who were far of have been brought closer “by
the blood of Christ.” He refers to Christ as “the peace between us – [who] has
made the two into one and broken down the barrier which used to keep [us] apart.” He maintains that this is to restore
peace and unite us into one single Body and reconcile us with God. By so doing,
it says, he killed the hostility and brought us the good news of peace through
his Spirit as the way to the father.
The theme of message first and second reading is
amplified in the gospel where Jesus is presented as the true shepherd to
displays compassion for his flock. Unlike the shepherds of Israel who were
self-serving, Jesus proved himself as a compassionate saviour to the people.
Although Jesus and his disciples wanted some time out for rest and food, the
people kept following them. Since they trekked long distances to catch up with
them, Jesus put aside his basic needs of rest and feeding so as to teach the
people at some length. He took pity on them because he saw them like “sheep
without a shepherd.”
Pastoral
Application & Practical Lessons
While
God railed on the Kings of Israel who were supposed to be the true shepherds of
the flock but failed, we shall draw a parallel between the shepherds of old and
our own contemporary shepherds. This shall be done by highlighting some
practical lessons from our readings as they relate to both our temporal and
spiritual leaders. We shall distinguish our contemporary shepherds thus:
1. Money-Bag Shepherds: We are faced with shepherds who are only
interested in money. The scripture says, the love of money is the root of all
evil (1 Timothy 6:10). These kinds of leaders see their flock as Automated
Teller Machines (ATM). In religious institutions, they think of the flock in
terms of donations, cash gifts, tithes, launching, bazaars to mention a few. In
politics, they see the electorate in terms of votes and Ghana-Must-Go that
accompanies their victory. The traditional institution is not spared of this
venom as some traditional rulers sale their people and integrity for a piece of
pie.
2. Lips-stick Shepherds: These
are leaders who womanize with impunity. They turn their necks at the sight of
any woman. They are hard with men but smile voraciously at the appearance of an
infant female. If they are in charge of a committee, they advocate for gender
sensitivity, all to their gain. Sometimes they claim to be feminist only to
surprise their gullible victims at the slaughter. Fat, thin, black or white,
they have no choice. Those who fall into this category, sadly abuse women and
children. Truth is, they are found in the religious, political and traditional
institutions.
3. Liquor-Shepherds: As
the name implies, these are leaders who
organize one kind of party or the other. In all these parties, the marriage of
wine and wild music come to the fore as Delilahs are often seen relishing the
moment while gunning for Samson’s soul. In their orgy, these kinds of leaders
are brought sensitive documents to sign – The outcome? Your guess is as good a
mine!
4. Flip-flop Shepherds: Flip-flop
shepherds are those who are often regarded to as accidental leaders. They are
ill-equipped and not prepared for leadership. The question of competence,
organisation and finesse are out of place because leaders of this type stumbled
upon leadership. What they do with positions of authority is to always punish
the people for their incompetence.
