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Readings for the Day:
Jeremiah 23:1-6: Jeremiah prophesied before the exile in 587 BCE. In this passage, he uses the metaphor of a shepherd to describe the bad kings who have scattered the ‘flock’ of Israel. God promises to gather the flock and to raise up a new king from David’s line to save Israel and Judah.
Ephesians 2:11-22: The author of this letter reminds his audience that, originally, they were not part of God’s chosen people. Through Jesus’ death, however, they are included in God’s household of faith, whose cornerstone is Jesus Christ.
Mark 6:30-34, 53-56: When Jesus sends his disciples out to teach and heal, they minister among large numbers of people. Their work is motivated by Christ’s desire to be among those in need.
‘From Sunday & Seasons, copyright 2023 Augsburg Fortress’
Questions To Ponder:
1— How is God your shepherd? (Psalm 23)
2—How do you work at trying to one in Christ with others? (Eph. 2:11-22)
3—How do you find balance between serving others and your own need for God’s love? (Mark 6:30-34, 53-56)
4—How do these texts speak to you today?
Prayer: O God, powerful and compassionate, you shepherd your people, faithfully feeding and protecting us. Heal each of us, and make us a whole people, that we may embody the justice and peace. Amen.