Sixteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time – Year B

# In Christian churches, a pastor is one who performs management and teaching functions within his or her congregation. The term is most often used in the context of Protestantism, with Protestant pastors providing leadership and ministry of the word within Protestant and evangelical churches. Christian saints Shepherd of Alcalá (?-304), with Juste, children martyred in Complutum during Diocletian’s persecution under Dacian. Pastor of Nicomedia (4th century), Victor and five other companions, martyred in the East during the persecution of Diocletian.

Pastor of Orléans (?-557), bishop of Orléans. Palestinian, born at the beginning of the Christian era, he was professed by Christians as the Messiah, the Son of God and the Redeemer of mankind. In chronological order, he was born before the year 4 under Herod, began his apostolic activity around the year 28, was arrested, condemned to death and crucified under the Roman procurator Pontius Pilate on 30 April and, according to the testimony of his apostles, was proclaimed resurrected three days later. This resurrection of Jesus is considered by Christians to be a historical fact that transcends the realm of history to that of faith. The Messiah (χριστός / Christos in ancient Greek), the anointed one of the Lord is announced in the Old Testament of Judaism.

Most Christians recognise Jesus Christ as the only Son of God and as one of the three persons of the Triune God. His mother is Mary of Nazareth. Since the 19th century, critical research by historians has gradually dissociated Jesus of Nazareth, the historical figure, from Jesus Christ, the religious figure. According to John Meier, this methodological distinction has its roots in the distinction made by numerous Germanic authors, including Bultmann (1884-1976), between two meanings of the term historian in German.

On the one hand, historical, in the sense of an event corresponding to a simple fact whose existence is attested by history, and on the other hand, historical, in the sense of an event that has a lasting impact and corresponds to a significant reality. This chapter on Jesus Christ is placed within the framework of this second historical perspective, leaving the former to the chapter entitled Searching for the Historical Jesus. Muslims recognise Jesus of Nazareth as an eminent prophet of God with the name ʿĪsā.

From the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Mark

 At that time, after their first mission, the apostles gathered with Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them: ‘Come to a deserted place and rest a while. For many people were coming and going and there was not even time to eat. 

So they set out in a boat to a deserted place. The people saw them leave and many understood their intention. So from all the towns they ran there on foot and arrived before them. When Jesus went ashore, he saw a great crowd. He had compassion on them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began to teach them at length. (Mk 6,30-34)

Come to a deserted place and rest for a while

On this day, Jesus, I too come, like the apostles, to listen to you. Yes, it is only in your presence that we can truly rest. Only by listening to your words can I truly regain my strength. Form in me, Lord, the heart of an apostle. Today’s Gospel invites us to discover the importance of resting in the Lord.

The apostles were returning from the mission that Jesus had entrusted to them. They had cast out demons, healed the sick and preached the Gospel. They were tired and Jesus said to them: ‘Come to a deserted place and rest a while’ (Mk 6, 31). 

One of the temptations to which every Christian can succumb is that of wanting to do many things and neglecting one’s relationship with the Lord. The Catechism reminds us that when it comes to praying, one of the greatest dangers is to think that there are other more urgent things to do, and one ends up neglecting one’s relationship with God.

This is why Jesus tells his disciples, who have worked hard, are tired and are happy because everything went well, that they must rest. The Gospel tells us that ‘they set out in a boat to a deserted place’ (Mk 6, 33). The first is to be with Jesus, because it is with him that we will speak.

We must be sure of his presence. Therefore, every moment of prayer generally begins, and this is the most difficult part, with becoming aware of God’s presence. Becoming aware of being with Him. The second thing is the necessary solitude. If we want to talk to someone, to have an intimate and deep conversation, we choose solitude. St Pierre Julien Eymard recommended resting in the Lord after communion.

And he warned against the danger of filling our thanksgiving with words or phrases we know by heart. He said that after receiving the Body of Christ, the best thing was to remain silent for a while, to recover our strength and let Jesus speak to us in the silence of our hearts. Sometimes, instead of telling him our plans, it is better to let Jesus teach us and give us courage.

Lord, be my guide in everything. Be the shepherd of my life. Teach me to be taught like the crowds. Send me to those who do not know you and who seek you. After this time of prayerful rest, I know that I too will be sent to those I meet today. Inspire me, Lord, with the right words to announce that you are the good shepherd.

Deacon Michel Houyoux

Links to other Christian websites

Loyola Press : click here to read the paper → Sixteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle B | Loyola Press

Sacred Space : click here to read the paper → Living Space Sunday of Week 16 of Ordinary Time (Year B)

Video Pastor Michael Cesar : click here → https://youtu.be/b5Vn2Gdgjo