Memorial of Saint Bernard

Today's Mass Readings

The theme of the good shepherd is a common thread for today’s readings. We come across Ezekiel just after he learns of Jerusalem’s fall. Ezekiel had already been in exile for twelve years. Ezekiel’s prophecy against the shepherds of Israel reads like a job description of a bad shepherd: you feed yourself instead of your sheep, you do not search for those who have strayed or are lost, and you do not strengthen the weak or heal the sick. The prophet is challenging the leaders of the faith, who have failed to hear the word of the Lord. The story does not end here. The Lord, the Good Shepherd, promises to search for the lost sheep and gather them back into their land. Indeed the psalm reminds us the Lord is our shepherd and that He we provide for us all the days of our life. Even if we have failed and all hope seems lost, we are to trust the Lord and be not afraid. John Paul II constantly proclaimed this psalm’s message “Be not afraid.”

The gospel sheds light on just how far the good shepherd will go to seek out the lost. Using the parable of the generous landowner, we find a God who will go out of the way to search out those who are lost. Time and again in this story the landowner goes back to hire those who need work, to find those who are lost with nothing to do. The landowner not only is willing to search for the lost as promised in Ezekiel, he rewards them all equally. The recompense of course is the Kingdom of heaven.

As we go about our day today Lord, we ask you to help us be aware of the ways in which you care for us. Help us also not to be envious of others. Help us recognize how abundant the blessings are that you bestow on us. Help us to realize that no matter how unworthy we feel, your love is a gift and need to accept it. May we in return be good shepherds, disciples of Jesus.

- Mike Montgomery