What can you do to create unity with and among those around you—to make “one new person in place of the two”—even if this effort requires some sacrifice?

According to the Bible, this is what God sees in every wilderness: not vacant wasteland, but a place for flowers to bloom. Not barren desert, but soil waiting for rain. It’s a quiet space for tired disciples to take their rest, for hungry multitudes to be fed. Wilderness is where water can spring from a rock or bread might fall from heaven. Meat can be supplied by a passing flock of quail. To God, wilderness is a clean canvas on which to paint a beautiful future.

When Jesus arrived, he saw this huge crowd. At the sight of them, his heart broke—like sheep with no shepherd they were. He went right to work teaching them.

It is not always easy to get away and rest a while; even Jesus and the disciples couldn’t stop their work from following them when they tried to sneak away for some down time. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.

Brought together by Christ our good shepherd, let us ask the Lord for pardon and guidance.

Throughout the readings for this weekend we hear of God’s bringing together and caring for God’s people.

I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.           —John 10:11