On this Sunday, we are invited to reflect on the image of a shepherd. Jesus challenges us to renew ourselves as we minister to be more effective as his disciples. Self-care essential to discipleship. Creating space and time to be renewed, energizes and refreshes us to be more caring shepherds.

I recently read an affirmation that says, “You can not pour from an empty cup.” This is a powerful image of a disciple who keeps giving (working) without recognizing that their energy is gone. Jesus says in this gospel, “Come away by yourself to a deserted place and rest awhile.” Without taking this time, we will soon realize that all our plans, hopes, and dreams will be left for someone else to complete.

     Jesus was moved with pity for the crowd because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus realized and observed that his disciples were feeling overwhelmed and exhausted by the many expectations and hopes that others placed on them. Jesus must have experienced this in his own life. Therefore, renewing ourselves through prayer and reflection is essential.

The time we experience during the Coronavirus pandemic has pushed us to look that the things that matter the most in our lives. Nevertheless, some of us have used most of this time to become busier.  There is nothing wrong with being busy in itself. How have we experienced Jesus shepherding us during this time in our lives? Have we experienced rest with neglecting our obligations?

With God as our shepherd, who leads us, prepares the way, and guides us, we have everything that we need. The challenge for us all is to create the time and space for God to renew us and shepherd us all the days of our life. God is so wonderful to us. Some people see a glass as half empty or half full. We often forget that the glass can be refilled. A song that paraphrases Psalm 23 says, “Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life.”