July 22 -- 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading I: Jeremias 23:1-6
Responsorial Psalm 23:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6
Reading II: Ephesians 2:13-18
Gospel: Mark 6:30-34

In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus rarely has a moment to himself. Today, the Twelve are reporting on their first mission apart from him, a mission that was a success. They need a rest, but there is no rest, since the crowds are following Jesus get to his next destination ahead of him and the disciples.

Here, Mark portrays Jesus as the new Moses, as shepherd and teacher. Soon, he will provide food for the crowd in a miraculous way.

How is Jesus teaching us today? Through the Bible, through the Church, and sometimes in very unexpected ways. We are his sheep, his followers, but that does not mean that we should be passive. His first disciples began to preach the gospel and heal people in need of healing, even before Jesus’ death and resurrection. We must do the same, according to how each of us has been called.

Our world needs nourishment, healing and love—now more than ever.