A Reflection for Wednesday of the Twentieth Week in Unusual Time
For thus says the Lord GOD: I personally will take care of and have a tendency my sheep. (EZ 34:11)
Today’s first reading is in regards to the abuse of power. It’s harsh and unsparing. On this passage, addressed to Ezekiel, God doesn’t content himself with bland reminders to his chosen “shepherds” to take care and be good. They’ve not been good, and their crimes are detailed with piercing accuracy. Entrusted with the care of the flock, the shepherds “pastured” themselves, having fun with the milk and wool while the sheep were permitted to scatter. They “slaughtered the fatlings” to make their very own feast. We will want to look away from this appalling image of God’s chosen shepherds eating those entrusted to them; unfortunately, we all know all too well that the image is accurate. Established authority figures can turn out to be the worst of predators.
Priests and bishops should tremble after they read this passage. Politicians needs to be afraid. Parents, bosses and community leaders should examine their consciences and get on their knees. Even when we’ve got for probably the most part discharged our duties faithfully, we must not ever forget that authority is perilous. Earthly privileges and titles are alluring, but God isn’t impressed. He isn’t fooled by our perfunctory efforts to maintain up appearances. A day of reckoning will come if we neglect the souls entrusted to our care.
Earthly shepherds falter; God never does.
This primary reading may stir painful memories or leave us with a way of foreboding. Fortunately, the church offers comfort. We’re soothed with the attractive imagery of the Psalm 23. Christ, our true shepherd, leads us to pastures and cooling waters. He protects us along with his rod and staff, ever at our side as we walk through life’s shadows. Earthly shepherds falter; God never does. His take care of us is unwavering, and as he promised Ezekiel, he’ll himself take care of and have a tendency us when our appointed guardians fall short. God’s grace is all the time available, and his word and his sacraments can still nourish us even when the church appears to be in disarray.
“Goodness and kindness will follow me all of the days of my life,” declares the psalmist. With our minds still on the Ezekiel passage, this may occasionally seem false and even incredible. As we reflect, we are going to surely recall many occasions when God has shown us goodness and mercy. There are all the time consolations to uplift us, even in our suffering.
Because the Gospel passage reminds us, we’re obliged to labor within the Lord’s vineyard for so long as our life and strength will permit. We must try in our own ways to be good staff, good shepherds and good stewards of the things he has placed in our care. In the long run though, we’re God’s sheep, and it’s his mercy and generosity that can save us. His pastures are evergreen, and his table is ready for feasting. He himself will tend us, and there may be nothing we will want.