“Should not shepherds, rather, pasture sheep?” – EZ 34: 2

 

As we listen to the Word of God through the prophet Ezekiel today, it would be easy to conclude that the Lord is talking only about the religious leaders of Israel.  Yes, at the time, this was the case.  These leaders were more worried about themselves rather than those they were called, by their position, to care about.  However, as we know, the Word of God is a living document.  Therefore, it is alive today as it was in the late 580’s before Jesus.

We can look today at the political establishment at the various levels of government and ask, are those who were called, or elected, making decisions, and representing their constituents in the way they should or are they working to better their lives and the next generations of their own families?  When the electorate feels abandoned, where are they to turn?  When neglected, those who feel abandoned are scattered and will be attracted to anything or anyone who will tell them what they want to hear rather than what they should hear.  They feel good for a while when in fact they are being taken advantage of.

However, all of us need to realize that we are all called to shepherd, to gather. If we answer the call of God to not just hear the Word but live it, then we all can become what we are called to be.  Through our actions we can begin to attract those abandoned and help them find a true means to not just live life but work to bring others to these same realizations of the Truth.

Which brings us to today’s Gospel.  The parable shared by Jesus is not to worry about who receives what when but accept that which was promised.  Those called to work whether in the morning, at lunch, or an hour before we are to go home, we should accept what was promised.  Even in our own Domestic Churches, we are responsible for shepherding those in our household in the Truth, God’s Promises, in order for a strong foundation to be built which will ensure that the strong storms of life will not destroy but rather save.

God is generous in opening the doors of His Kingdom to all who will enter, both those who have labored a lifetime for Him and those who come at the last hour. While the reward is the same, the motive for one's labor can make all the difference. Some of us work only for reward. They will only put in as much effort as they think they will get back. Others labor out of Love and Joy for the opportunity to work and to serve others. The Lord Jesus calls each one of us to serve God and His Kingdom with Joy and Zeal and to serve our neighbor with a generous spirit as well.

Jesus wants to fill each one of us with the power and strength of the Holy Spirit so we can bear great Fruit for God's Kingdom.  The Fruit of Peace, Joy, Righteousness, and Love while also bringing the Fruit of His Kingdom to our neighbor as well. We labor for the Lord to bring Him Praise, Honor, and Glory. Should we not labor for our neighbor and their welfare with the same Spirit of loving-kindness and compassion which the Lord has shown to us?

Do we perform our daily tasks and responsibilities with cheerfulness and diligence for the Lord's sake? Do we give generously to others, especially to those in need of our care and support?  Let’s answer the call to shepherd.

"Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may serve you joyfully and serve my neighbor willingly with a generous heart, not looking for how much I can get, but rather looking for how much I can give."

 

May God’s Grace and Blessings Always be with you and yours!!  Our Lady of Guadalupe – Pray for us!!  

 

Yours in Christ,

Deacon Bob

St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church

Houston, TX