20th Week in Ordinary Time : Wednesday 17th August 2022

In the parable of the shepherds found in the first reading, the Prophet Ezekiel speaks about the wicked rulers who reigned over Israel but did not carry out their task responsibly. They are seen as bad shepherds who do not care for their flock. Therefore, God is coming to punish them and rescue the sheep. God will be the good shepherd, tending the sheep, rescuing the scattered of the flock, and bringing them to rest in good pastures in their land. The lost will be sought out, those who stray will be brought back, the injured will be bound up, and the sick healed.

The wicked shepherds are contrasted with the good employer in the Gospel passage. Although the employer hires workers at different times of the day, he pays each of them an equal wage. This upsets those who had worked longer hours. The employer responds to their complaints by saying that he had been just paying the agreed wage to them. They have no right to complain if he wants to be generous to others. The employer is God, as revealed in Jesus as His representative.

God’s justice and generosity explain why Jesus preached the kingdom to both the already pious and the lost sheep of Israel. Both groups will receive an equal share in God’s kingdom if they accept His teaching. What about us? Have we been like the “bad shepherds” or the “good employer” in our dealings with people around us? Let us reflect on this today.

Lord, may I be a good shepherd like You.