This homily is based on Mark 6:30-34.
Sometimes I feel like a scattered flock of sheep. Blame it on the workload, on endless deadlines and numerous responsibilities, on a lifestyle that does not create enough room for prayer and meditation, perhaps even on social media.
But there are days when I feel lost, running around like a headless chicken. Those days what I need is to hear the Shepherd’s voice, to gather the scattered flock within me and lead me on the right paths.
It’s not easy hearing the Shepherd’s voice because we need to recognize it amidst the noise in the world. And it’s even tougher when we can’t hear our own inner voice, when we lose touch with our deeper selves. For this discernment of the Lord’s voice is really an art of sorting out His voice from the many competing voices and noises within and around us—including our own.
This is a common affliction today; that’s why mindfulness is such a buzz word. When you think about it, isn’t mindfulness another word for the self-awareness and mastery that meditation and prayer bring?
So today, as the different readings remind us that God is Shepherd, let us make a simple commitment to make greater room for prayer and reflection, so that we may be able to reconnect to our deeper selves and in so doing, hear the Shepherd’s voice.
What baby step are you willing to take today to move towards this direction?
8 replies on “SCATTERED SHEEP”
To go back to the habit of starting each day in silence with my Lord – to have our coffee dates again.
Truly its takes discipline on my part to listen to God’s voice. Can you give me tips on focus prayer. Thanks.
Bro Jong
When the big bad wolf, called Cancer, threatens to eat me…growling loudly inside…….It is MY shepherd’s loving whispers…that I long to hear!
Thank you Fr for this gentle breeze-reminder!
Will be praying for you, Nitz. Our God is Almighty, all powerful and He loves you so much.
Giving myself everyday a time to reflect, give thanks, repent and be inspired is my way to move forward. It does not matter what time of the day… what matters is a TIME well spent…
This weather today is so mournful. And cruel. It is so easy to focus on our troubles on days like this. Yet, without these troubles, where will I find the cross that my Shepherd bides me to pick up. It’s the cross that points to where I should follow Him. I won’t get lost if I carry my cross.
Very true, indeed Fr.J. We need to hear the Shepherd’s voice to calm us down, to give us that inner strength & peace we need to continue with our daily duties amidst the noise around us, to set our priorities straight & to redirect our path according to His plan for us. For without hearing His voice, we might totally be lost in this chaotic world. Thanks for the reminder.
True. I need to be still and quiet!!!