Ezekiel 34:1-11 / Matthew 20:1-16
It is a fact that religion brings about comfort and confidence for those who seek God and want to walk in the ways of God.
People find comfort in God who protects and provides for them.
And to know that God loves them will give them the confidence and the hope to journey on in life despite the difficulties and struggles.
So, religious leaders have a great responsibility to show God’s love and care for the people.
They are like shepherds looking after the flock that belongs to God.
But in the first reading, the shepherds of Israel have neglected the flock that was entrusted to them.
And not only that, they have ruled the people cruelly and violently, and the people were scattered, strayed and lost.
So trouble will be coming for the shepherds of Israel, and God will send the true Shepherd to look after His people.
In the gospel parable, the landowner went around looking for workers for his vineyard.
Even at the last hour, he hired workers that were overlooked and were going to be left rejected and dejected.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd who came to look for the lost, the rejected and the dejected.
He came to save us and to give us hope.
May those whom Jesus appointed as shepherds of His flock be faithful to their calling.
And may we, the sheep of God’s flock always listen to the voice of Jesus, our Good Shepherd.