By Ruwnglal Friny Peter csc –
Readings: Ezek 34: 1-11; Mt 20: 1-16
The book of Ezekiel puts forward the perfect role model of a true leader in the imagery of the Good Shepherd. Further, Yahweh expresses his displeasure about the shepherds who feed themselves and fail to care for the flock entrusted to them.
Nevertheless, we find a Good Shepherd in the landowner when talking about the Kingdom of God. It is compared to the landowner who invited every worker on the street to work in his vineyard. This is the perfect example of being a Good Shepherd inviting everyone to be part of the kingdom of God. For the Good Shepherd knows that all are called to belong to the kingdom of God irrespective of who we are, where we come from and so on. In the end, there is no claim for anything as it is the God who will reward us with what we deserve. As children of God, we are invited to collaborate, appreciate, uphold each other to be one with God at the end of our earthly lives.
I want to conclude my reflection with a Church Document from Vatican II titled Nostra Aetate, which definitively expresses that we need to promote the values of unity and charity, for we all share the same origin and destiny. It is important to stand in solidarity and give hope to people who are going through tough times and are becoming weak due to the increasing tensions and turmoil of the present situation. Let us strive to build the kingdom of God without expectations, jealousy, hatred, and indifference attitude rather with love, generosity, and kindness. Let us make it a point to be sharers of hope, joy, and be a consolation to everyone we meet like the God’s kingdom which is always inclusive.
Today we pray to Jesus to send us true shepherd after his own heart and mind and who will know the flock intimately, love intensely, and follow closely to make them part of the Kingdom of God.