Remember from school something called Boolean Logic? Most often it is seen these days in computer programs, but also is used often enough by some manipulative people to get their way. It is recognized by the “IF, THEN” that is used. The first reading has such being used by God, in a positive way to motivate the Israelites he just rescued from Egypt. If we harken to his voice, (the then is unspoken) he will bless us and make us dearer than all other people. How are we doing? Or are we trying to be in charge of the logic by telling God, if he does as we request, then…
The Gospel shows Jesus having the same pity for the crowds that God had with the Israelites in Egypt. He calls them sheep without a shepherd. Jesus selects twelve to be apostles and gives them the authority over unclean spirits and to cure diseases. Do we stop to think that even Judas Iscariot is among those twelve? Jesus personally called Judas, as he did the others. He gave him the same authority he gave the others. He treated him with the same love and compassion he treated everyone. Often people complain about our priests and bishops. One-twelfth of those personally picked by Jesus was rotten. Regardless of other personal issues, they, as Judas and the eleven-twelfth, are given the same authority.
Perhaps as we continue forward, during “ordinary time” we can pray for our priests and bishops, asking God to touch their hearts and give us the grace we need to listen to the truth, regardless of the qualities of the messengers.
Additional thoughts. Jesus asks the disciples to pray for workers for the harvest. We forget that the greater number of workers are the lay persons, not the bishops and priest or religious. In Ordinary Time we should remember it is Ordinary People who are the primary harvesters. Those who interact with the world on a daily basis are the primary means of evangelization. How we live each day and interact with others at work, in social areas, etc. are the primary witness of what our faith means to us. Bishops and priests can provide the sacraments and support we need, but it is not the bishops or priests that have the greatest impact. This is even more important in a world that doesn’t want to hear from priests and bishops whom they say are “out of touch with reality”.
Countenance of God 