Sixteenth Sunday - 2021

In the days of the prophet Jeremiah, Israel was descending into a time of crisis, their leadership has failed, their institutions are collapsing, people are scattering far and wide. But all is not lost – there is a plan, and the prophet has been sent with God’s word to announce this plan – God will not allow his people to be destroyed. We are witnessing today the Christian faith facing a time of trial, with plenty of blame to go around. So is there a prophet like Jeremiah for this age, and a prophesy announcing a divine plan to save and heal our wounded and broken faith? Just as it was then so it is for us now, the same Prophet with the same plan - the Lord Jesus who makes things right and true - only Wisdom and Truth can fix brokenness.  We have a lot of things that need fixing, as individuals, as families, as groups, as churches, as political entities. And the fixing starts when people realize that the first thing that needs fixing is our relationship with him who was sent with God’s plan for us, Jesus. The people we see along the shore pictured in today’s gospel must now become us; the seekers of this generation. Look for a moment at the beautiful imagery we see in today’s gospel passage and how it is to represents us. o   The sea that is the deep waters of our failings. o   The boat which is called evangelization, the instrument able to navigate the waves of our confusion. o   Its mast forming the shape of a glorious cross. o   Its sail full blown, driven by the mighty wind of the Holy Spirit. o  And Jesus coming ashore, not in judgement but full of compassion for us gathering, waiting, searching, so badly in need. o  Now see Jesus himself as he begins to teach us with words of wisdom; what is at the heart of our brokenness, what things we must learn from him personally, if we are to be restored and healed of our brokenness. The enemy of God's plan knows well where to attack. So naturally it is this same place where healing must begin. Then Jesus said to them, “ This very night you will all fall away on account of Me. For it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ Mtt. 26:31

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