Pastor's Note from Fr. Szparagowski 📝 - [July 21st Bulletin]

Dear St. Philip Neri Families & Friends,

We give praise and thanks to God for the graces He has given us. Today, our readings bring us profound insights into the nature of true leadership and the compassionate heart of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We find ourselves drawn into a meditation on Christ as the Good Shepherd, a theme richly illustrated in both our first reading from the prophet Jeremiah and our Gospel from St. Mark.

In the first reading from Jeremiah 23:1-6, the prophet delivers a stern warning to the leaders of Israel: “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep from my pasture!” These words are a strong condemnation of those who have been entrusted with the care of God’s people but have failed in their responsibilities. Instead of nurturing and protecting the flock, they have led them astray, causing confusion and disarray. However, the Lord does not leave His people without hope. He promises to gather the remnant of His flock, to bring them back to their fold, and to raise up a righteous Branch from David’s line who will reign wisely and show righteousness and mercy in the land. This promise finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd.

In our Gospel reading from Mark 6:30-34, we see this promise in action. After the Apostles return from their missionary work, Jesus invites them to come away to a deserted place and rest, yet, when they arrive, they find a large crowd already there, eager and desperate for guidance. “His heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things.” Here we see the heart of the Good Shepherd laid bare. Jesus sees the people in their need and responds with compassion. He does not turn them away or leave them to fend for themselves. Instead, He steps in to teach, to guide, and to care for them. This is the essence of true shepherding – a deep, personal care for the well-being of the flock.

Christ’s compassion is not a passive feeling, but an active commitment. He sees our crosses, struggles, our fears, and our confusion, and He responds with love, grace, and guidance. In a world where we often feel like sheep without a shepherd, Jesus offers us His presence and His teaching, leading us to green pastures and still waters.

As we reflect on these passages, let us consider what it means to follow Christ, the Good Shepherd. First, it means recognizing our need for His guidance. Like the crowd in the Gospel, we must come to Him with open hearts, ready to receive His love and His teaching. It also means trusting in His care, knowing that He will never abandon us, even when it feels like our crosses have become too burdensome.

Moreover, as followers of Christ, we are called to emulate the Good Shepherd in our own lives. Whether we are parents, teachers, leaders, or friends, we are invited to shepherd those entrusted to us with the same compassion and dedication that Christ shows. This means being attentive to the needs of others, offering guidance and support, and always acting with love. In a world filled with so much fragmentation and pain, the message of the Good Shepherd is more relevant than ever. We are reminded that we are not alone; we have a Shepherd who knows us by name, who lays down His life for us, and who leads us to eternal life.

Let us pray for the grace to always stay close to the Good Shepherd, to listen to His voice, and to follow where He leads. And let us commit ourselves to being shepherds after His own heart, bringing His love and care to a world in need.

Have a blessed week! May God bless you all! Please invite someone to Mass.

St. Philip Neri, pray for us!

Fr. Szparagowski