Sorry about yesterday friends; I was running behind and had a lot to do at work and very little time to get it done. With all of the emotions running on edge with the release of the grand jury report in PA, I’ve been particularly sensitive about the readings over the past couple of days. Yesterday’s reading were extremely enlightening. If you didn’t have a chance to read them, here they are. Celebrating the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I found it most appropriate that the readings both chastised “the shepherds” of the flock, reminded us of who our true shepherd should be and all came to a beautiful end with the Gospel in which we are told no matter how long it takes you to “finally work in God’s vineyard”, the reward is just for all.
Quotes from our readings (yesterday). May I say to all who are involved in the leadership of our Church – those with ears ought hear and those with eyes ought to see…
Thus says the Lord GOD: Woe to the shepherds of Israel
who have been pasturing themselves!
Should not shepherds, rather, pasture sheep?
Therefore, shepherds, hear the word of the LORD:
As I live, says the Lord GOD,
because my sheep have been given over to pillage,
and because my sheep have become food for every wild beast,
for lack of a shepherd;
because my shepherds did not look after my sheep,
but pastured themselves and did not pasture my sheep;
because of this, shepherds, hear the word of the LORD:
Thus says the Lord GOD:
I swear I am coming against these shepherds.
I will claim my sheep from them
and put a stop to their shepherding my sheep
so that they may no longer pasture themselves.
I will save my sheep,
that they may no longer be food for their mouths.
R. (1) The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
He guides me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage.
‘These last ones worked only one hour,
and you have made them equal to us,
who bore the day’s burden and the heat.’
He said to one of them in reply,
‘My friend, I am not cheating you.
Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage?
Take what is yours and go.
What if I wish to give this last one the same as you?
Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money?
Are you envious because I am generous?’
Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
Do something great for our Lord today – continue to work in His vineyard. If you haven’t started the Lord’s work yet, join in – it’s never too late and the reward is always just.
God’s will, not mine, be done.
Be not afraid; just have faith.
Jesus, I trust in You.
St. Mary Magdalen Men of God 