The 12 apostles had just completed their mission of preaching, healing, and deliverance (Mk 6:7-13), when they rejoined Jesus and told Him all they had done and taught. Jesus' response to them was, "You must come away to some lonely place all by yourselves and rest for a while" (v 31). However, even when they all got on the boat to be by themselves, the people could not let them go. So, even as they landed, a large crowd had gathered. Jesus' response to the people was the same compassionate response He had made to the apostles. He did not turn them away but took upon Himself to teach them. He saw them as "sheep without a shepherd" (v 34).

In the letter to the Hebrews, the writer speaks about Jesus being the "great Shepherd of the sheep:" (v 20). And in the responsorial Psalm, we hear again the Lord as our shepherd.

Let us today, go to Jesus, Who, as our Shepherd will see to our lack; will grant us the tranquility and the rest that we need. He will also guide us; walk with us through our valleys of darkness; and comfort us. Jesus will protect, honour, and bless us - in every way.