Title: Meditation: Wednesday, August 21, 2002

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, August 21, 2002
    Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
    St. Pius X

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
    Ezekiel 34:1-11
    Psalm 23:1-6
    Matthew 20:1-16

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Ezekiel's stiff upbraiding of the religious leaders of Israel is done
in terms of "shepherding." And the modern-day shepherds...they
certainly need to reflect slowly and prayerfully as this reading
applies to them. In these days of high criticism, lax public morals,
and a weakened support system for priesthood, it seems that anything
less than heroic will not do. There is much suffering attached to the
office of pastor in our day. The only answer is love -- a burning,
consistent love for Christ, and a caring, compassionate love for the
people entrusted to the pastor's care. And how should a layperson
react to today's reading? With daily prayer for the shepherds, with
searching out ways to support a clergy under scrutiny and attack. Our
Church will be reformed and purified through a closer collaboration
between pastors and laypersons who, remember, are consecrated at
Baptism with a share in the priesthood of the Lord. Together we can
shepherd one another.

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore ([EMAIL PROTECTED])


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