Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13 / Matthew 9:32-38
In the course of human history, leaders have come and gone.
Some have made their mark as good leaders and they helped the people they led to better lives and to live in peace and harmony.
But there were also leaders who, out of their own self-interest and other selfish motives have created chaos and hardships for their people.
But more often than not, leaders are chosen by the people, though of course there were leaders who were self-appointed maybe because the people were too confused or divided to choose a leader.
But in the first reading, the Lord has this to say about His people:
They have set up kings, but not with my consent, and appointed princes, but without my knowledge.
It was the people who chose their leaders but without consulting God because they have disobeyed God and were unfaithful to Him.
The people chose their leaders according to their own liking, but this also resulted in their own undoing.
However in the gospel, when Jesus saw the crowds, He felt sorry for them because they were harassed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd.
And then Jesus said: The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest.
Yes, we must pray to the Lord to raise up good leaders for the Church and for the world.
Our prayer for good leaders will only benefit us and help us to live lives pleasing to God.