Back to the Meadow – Homily for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today’s readings form a beautiful progression: In the first reading God makes a promise. The responsorial psalm responds to that promise. The Gospel shows the fulfillment of the promise. And all three center on the figure of the shepherd. First, God promises. During the time of the prophet Jeremiah, the people of God were scattered. They were beaten down. The Babylonians had laid siege to Jerusalem, and had ultimately destroyed the Temple. The chosen people are in exile. The kings of Israel, who were supposed to shepherd the...
