[No Sermon Audio]

Shepherds are to gather, tend, nourish, and protect their flock. Of course, we know the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, does all that and more. He loves and cares for his sheep. He heals their wounds and bids them to rest. In today’s Gospel, Jesus has compassion on a lost crowd that—in a real sense—thwarts his intention for his own disciples; but He loves them anyway, having compassion on them for they were “like sheep without a shepherd.” As He took upon himself the sickness and despair of those clamoring for healing, He takes up our sins and restores us that we may be saved.