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| “St. Mary Crowned” (detail) from The Ghent Altarpiece by Jan van Eyck, 1432. |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Ezekiel 34:1-11
Commentary on Ez 34:1-11
The Prophet Ezekiel addresses the victims of the Babylonian exile for the first time. He offers an indictment against the religious leaders of Israel (“shepherds of Israel”). The use of the shepherd image in the Old Testament generally refers to the kings or rulers (perhaps stemming from the time of King David who was a shepherd, see 1 Samuel 17:34, Psalm 78:70-72. It is also used to refer to the Great Shepherd, God as in Psalm 23:1ff and Psalm 80:2-3). The prophet criticizes these leaders for living in the comfort of their office and neglecting their roles (“pasturing themselves”), while the people wander without spiritual leadership. As a result of the leaders' laxness, the people have fallen prey to other religious practices, pagan practices, leading to spiritual death (“So they were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and became food for all the wild beasts”).
In consequence of this neglect on the part of the religious leadership, God promises to supplant them, and replace them with a good shepherd (“I myself will look after and tend my sheep.”), seen as a prediction of the Messiah, the Son of God who is God.
CCC: Ez 34:11-31 754
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
R. (1) The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
Commentary on Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
Psalm 23 is one of the most familiar songs in the entire psalter. “God's loving care for the psalmist is portrayed under the figures of a shepherd for the flock (Psalm 23:1-4) and a host's generosity toward a guest (Psalm 23:5-6). The imagery of both sections is drawn from traditions of the exodus (Isaiah 40:11; 49:10; Jeremiah 31:10).” [4] While the theme of shepherd is mentioned in the first strophe, the psalm really speaks to the peace given to those who follow the Lord and place their trust in him, even into the “dark valley.”
The reference in the third strophe above: “'You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes' occurs in an exodus context in Psalm 78:19. As my enemies watch: my enemies see that I am God's friend and guest. Oil: a perfumed ointment made from olive oil, used especially at banquets (Psalm 104:15; Matthew 26:7; Luke 7:37, 46; John 12:2).” [5]
CCC: Ps 23:5 1293
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Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16
Commentary on Mt 20:1-16
The parable of the Laborers Hired Late continues the dialogue from Matthew 19:30: “the last will be first, and the first will be last.” The inference here changes slightly: in Matthew 19:23-30 the Lord referred to those who would follow him into eternal life, while here he broadens the scope to imply that those called later to faithful service would receive the same reward as those first called.
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Reflection:
The student who studies the history of Christianity cannot help but be appalled at some of the actions taken by church leaders at various times, supposedly in the name of Christ. We don’t even need to look specifically at Christian leaders; we can broaden our gaze to encompass almost all the major faith traditions in the world. We are all, no matter how pure our intentions, vulnerable to impulses of the evil one. His words are honey sweet and his logic seems, to the innocent guile of the unwary, to be impeccable.
In the case of the leaders described by Ezekiel, we can be sure that, in the situation they were placed, conquered by Assyria, enslaved, and deported, they felt the best way to survive was to compromise their faith. They turn a blind eye to the people who adopted pagan traditions, in order to assimilate with as little pain as possible. Ezekiel rips them. He points out that God’s Kingship may not be compromised, and that the leaders who weakened and “rolled with the punches” were to be replaced by the uncompromising faith of the Messiah.
We understand this at a visceral level. We’ve seen the faith of the martyrs. Unlike many radicalized Muslims, we have been taught it is a sin to embrace martyrdom for our own purposes when peaceful means of persuasion will suffice. In that misguided context we hear the sticky sweet voice of the evil one whispering in those young ears: “Blow yourself up and God will surely reward you,” or “Kill those who will not convert.”
But what are we to do? We are weak and we often fall. We take the easy path at times and follow that voice that so seductively tells us that it’s all right to steal if it’s for a worthy cause, or it’s all right to lust because it’s part of love. To this, Christ came with his Gospel of love and forgiveness. The parable of the workers who came late to the fields is a perfect example of a concept put forward a few days ago, when the motto of Venerable Bruno Lanteri was quoted: “Nunc Coepi,” or “Now I begin.” Each time we fall and rise to try again, we come to work in God’s fields – late – knowing we will also be given the reward promised to the faithful.
Pax
[1] The Picture Used Is “St. Mary Crowned” (detail) from The Ghent Altarpiece by Jan van Eyck, 1432.
[4] See NAB footnote on Psalm 23.
[5] See NAB footnote on Psalm 96.
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