In our readings for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we see how the Lord desires to care for our needs, and has appointed leaders to guide His people – in both the Old and the New Covenant. He uses an image familiar to their culture – the shepherd.

In our first reading from Jeremiah, we find the Old Testament people of God at a low point, when their shepherds had failed to keep God’s covenant, and instead sought to curry the favor of their worldly neighbors. Remarkably, the Lord promises that the day will come when “I myself will gather” and tend the needs of His flock. The beautiful words of the familiar Psalm 23 echo this:  “The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.”

And in our Gospel, we see the Lord’s promise coming to fulfillment. He had truly come, and His heart is moved with pity, as they were like sheep without a shepherd. In our everyday lives, there is so much noise that threatens to drown out the voice of Jesus, the Shepherd of our Souls. Heed the voice of Jesus, who says, “Come away to a deserted place and rest a while.” Seek silence, and listen for the voice of Jesus! He is calling to your heart!