WHEN I was out for a walk this week I noticed that the sheep in the field near the path had been shorn. The time for shearing sheep is a significant occasion in the agricultural calendar, and an important part of rural life. We shear sheep as a sign of our care for them. In the same way the ministry of Jesus in the Gospels is pastoral: He cares for people and responds to their need. Nowhere is this made more clear than in the beginning of todays Gospel: 

‘When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd.’ (Mt 9:36)

In his Gospel, Matthew uses a Greek word (esplanghnisthê) which means to be moved deep inside. This is a gut feeling, a feeling of compassion, of love and care. Like sheep without a shepherd, the crowds can wander aimlessly. They require direction; they need help. Sheep need shepherds. Nowadays we are used to seeing sheep in enclosed fields, and wolves, thankfully, are not a common sight on our hills. However, two thousand years ago in the Middle East, things were very different. There was no barbed wire, although thorn bushes could be used to make a similarly impenetrable barrier. Wolves, jackals, and stray dogs would all regularly prey on sheep, who needed protection. Shepherds were either professionals, or teenage boys who were not strong enough for work in the fields (for example the young David when summoned by Samuel). Kings of Israel were often compared to shepherds. Later, however, because of the involved nature of caring for sheep, shepherds came to be seen as ritually impure in Israel. They were both exalted and lowly: at the top of the social hierarchy, and at the same time, at the bottom.

Our Lord has compassion on the people who need care. He speaks to His disciples and says:

“The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.” (Mt 9:37)

The labourers Jesus has in mind are the twelve disciples — those who He is about to send out to care for God’s people. Their mission is a pastoral one:

‘And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.’ (Mt 10:1)

The disciples are charged with the task of healing mental and physical illness as well as demonic possession. These words remind us that our God is a God of healing, who desires to see humanity flourish. However, we, like sheep, have an amazing ability to wander off down the wrong path and get lost. The role of the Church is to carry on the disciples’ mission of bringing God’s healing to all who turn to Him.

The Gospel then names the twelve Apostles. Names are important, they are the way that we recognise each other. We are known by our names, which are given to us at our Baptism. The Church has always been a community where we are known to each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. In the same way we are known by God. 

The Twelve are sent out by Our Lord who gives them specific instructions:

“Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” (Mt 10:5-7)

At first sight Jesus’ instructions appear quite exclusive. We must however, remember that looking after the lost sheep of the House of Israel is just the first step in the Church’s mission. Soon after the focus will widen considerably! The process begins with the restoration of Israel, with twelve apostles representing the twelve tribes. They are to encourage Israel to ‘Repent and believe’, and to manifest the healing power of God’s saving love. 

‘Indeed the whole earth is mine but you shall be for me a priestly people and a holy nation.’ (Exod 19:5-6)

These words apply to us all. We are called to be priestly and holy. We are told to honour God and worship Him, to offer prayer and sacrifice, and to encourage others to do the same. We do these things by being close to God in our reading of Holy Scripture, our prayer, and our participation in the sacraments — especially Baptism and the Eucharist. 

Christ has compassion (tosturiodd), on His flock and gives them the shepherds  (bugeilaid), that they need and want, and who guide and direct them along the right path. Shepherds feed their sheep, and even lay down their lives for them. Jesus’ entire life and ministry points towards His Death and Resurrection, where He lays down His life to reconcile humanity to God and to each other. This understanding lies behind Paul’s argument to the Christians in Rome in today’s Epistle. The Eucharist makes the holy people of God. This is because in the Eucharist we are fed by Christ and with Christ. We are fed with the Lamb of God and we are given a foretaste of the Heavenly Banquet.

Today Christ gives himself for us, so that we might be healed in body and soul, and come to share in His Divine life. Through His Body and Blood we are reconciled to God and each other. We are called to share His compassion with others, so that all people may sing the praises of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. To whom be ascribed all glory, dominion, and power, now and forever. Amen.