July, 18,2021
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16th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Shepherding Requires Solitude
Msgr. Thomas Gervasio
In last Sunday’s Gospel, the apostles were sent on mission. We might say that Our Lord was giving them a bit of training or “hands on experience” of their life’s calling—to be shepherds of God’s flock. Today’s Liturgy of the Word speaks to us of shepherds. The prophet Jeremiah declares the Lord’s indictment of evil shepherds. The Psalmist sings of the Lord who is the Good Shepherd, and in the Gospel, the heart of Jesus is moved upon seeing the frantic crowd who “were like sheep without a shepherd.” Not surprisingly, the Good Shepherd responds to their needs.
While these readings have a special meaning for those whom the Church officially entrusts with the office of shepherd, in an indirect way, all the baptized are shepherds, within their families, their friendships and workplaces. Consider some of the characteristics of a shepherd:
A shepherd:- Understands the needs of the sheep
- Is alert to the dangers that threaten the sheep
- Provides protection and security for the sheep
- Comforts the sheep when hurt or afraid
- Keeps the sheep on the move so they don’t get in a rut
- Carries the sheep close to his heart
- Rejoices in seeing the sheep content and safe
Don’t we do these things and more with our loved ones and friends?
When the “shepherds in training’ finally return, the Lord invites them to “a deserted place” to “rest awhile.” Work is important and necessary. Don’t we often measure ourselves and others by work? What do we have to “do” today. What work, what tasks do I have today? Our day can become a cycle of tasks to do. But today Our Lord reminds us that life requires rest, silence, and solitude. How important it is that we create the time and space for them.
This is how Fr. Henri Nouwen describes solitude:
“Solitude is the garden for our hearts…the home for our restless bodies and anxious minds. Solitude…is essential for our spiritual lives. It is not an easy place to be, since we are …insecure and…easily distracted by whatever promises immediate satisfaction. Solitude is not immediately satisfying, because in solitude, we meet our demons, our addictions, our feelings of lust, and anger, and our immense need for recognition and approval…
Our tendency is to leave this fearful solitude quickly and get busy again to reassure ourselves that we are ‘somebodies’ …But if we do not run away, we will meet there also the One who says, ‘Do not be afraid. I am with you, and I will guide you through the valley of darkness.” [Bread for the Journey]
If we want to live our vocations well, serenely and with courage and strength, we need to carve out time and a suitable place for solitude, for silence, for prayer. We cannot be just someone who knows the truth and does all sorts of good things, but someone who is in union, in friendship with the Lord.