In today's Gospel reading from Matthew 20, Jesus tells the parable of the workers in the vineyard. After hiring men at different times of the day, the landowner pays each the same wage. This doesn't sit well with those who labored all day. But the landowner's response is telling. It's a story about God's gratuitous love.
Today's first reading from Ezekiel 34 hits close to home. In it, God tells the religious leaders of the time, who were being bad shepherds of the flock, the punishment that awaited them. They would no longer be allowed to shepherd the flock.
It seems we've been witnessing in the Church the revelation of some bad shepherds - bishops and cardinals who have behaved badly and/or covered up for others. While the laity may feel powerless in these matters, we can be assured that these bad shepherds will reap what they have sown. That you can take to the bank.
Father, may our faith never be shaken by bad shepherds. Help us to cling to Jesus, despite what some leaders do. Amen.
The teachings of the Church are ever true. You can learn them in a minute with A Minute in the Church, available at www.GusLloyd.com.
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