The scripture readings assigned for today’s feast of the Sacred Heart use the image of a shepherd as the model of mercy. People in Bible times knew what shepherds were like, and could relate to that image. Me, I grew up in a row home in Baltimore. What did I know about shepherds? Recently I was visiting Huitzila, Mexico and, while taking a walk, ran across a shepherd and his flock. What struck me was that the shepherd was not out in front leading the sheep but was behind them. He gently pushed them in the right direction, urged them forward and kept watch so that no sheep wandered off. Isn’t that how God’s mercy works with us!
JUNE32016
By Church Staff
