Jeremiah, writing over 600 years before Christ, forecasts some of the responsibilites that will be assumed by a great shepherd and prophet to come. This longed for leader will reunite the people of Israel into the one flock of Yahweh. He will protect them and bring them peace. These responsibilities Jesus takes upon himself as described in today's second reading and Gospel.

Writing to the Ephesians St.Paul reminds them that, Gentiles as they are, they have been joined to the Jewish people in the love and service of God. They have been freed from the power of evil. Christ has brought life and peace to them. All of these achievements cost him his life.

The Gospel makes concrete and personal what a day to day dedication to shepherdly care involves. Jesus had to listen to and praise and encourage his disciples. He went to the trouble of arranging a picnic for them in the hills. Urged, however, by the love in his heart for lost and bewildered people, he postponed the picnic on site.

Jesus is present in the world today through the Church and through each of us who have been baptised into him. We must have confidence that he will help us when the demands on our time and energy are many, pressing and even, at times, seemingly contradictory.