The Lord Is My Shepherd
February 8, 2025 - Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Mark 6:30-34
When Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini spoke about the Holy Scriptures, young people packed Milan’s cathedral. He had a unique gift—his words resonated deeply, feeding their hunger for spiritual meaning. For them, the Bible was no longer a dusty relic of the past but a living message offering clarity in a confusing world. Martini saw in them what Jesus saw in the crowds: people searching for direction, "like sheep without a shepherd" (Mark 6:34).
A good shepherd listens, unites, and leads with wisdom, always placing the needs of the flock above personal comfort. A bad shepherd, on the other hand, seeks only self-interest, neglecting and sometimes even exploiting the sheep. In today’s world, leadership is often measured by success and influence, but Jesus shows us that true leadership is about service and sacrifice.
We all know the words: “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want” (Psalm 23:1). This beloved psalm is more than poetic comfort—it’s a declaration of trust. Jesus, our Good Shepherd, has led us to the life-giving waters of baptism, freeing us from sin. He strengthens us with the anointing of the Holy Spirit in confirmation and nourishes us at the Eucharistic table, even when life’s challenges surround us. Saint Anthony Mary Claret reminds us that the shepherd’s rod and staff symbolize the strength we find in the Holy Cross and the Blessed Virgin Mary, offering comfort and guidance as we journey through life. Ultimately, our destination is the Father’s house, where we will dwell in His presence forever.
But without a shepherd, we are vulnerable. As the prophet Ezekiel warned, sheep without a shepherd “become food for every wild beast” (Ezekiel 34:5). Jesus, seeing the crowds, was moved with compassion, and He responded by teaching them—patiently, tirelessly, offering them the truth that their hearts longed for (Mark 6:34-35).
Today, we find ourselves in a similar situation. Many wander through life without spiritual direction, distracted by the noise of the world. But Jesus is still here, still speaking. We encounter His voice in Scripture, in the sacraments, and in the life of the Church. He calls us to be more than just passive listeners—to be sheep who recognize His voice, follow Him, and take an active role in the community of faith.
Let us not settle for being lost in the crowd. Instead, let’s respond to Christ’s call, trusting that in Him, we will find the true shepherd who leads us to life in abundance. Amen.