St. Paul speaks directly to the nature of the Christian vocation, spelling out not only that to which we are called, but also how we are to live in a worthy manner. The emphasis is on unity. In the Gospel, even Jesus places an emphasis on unity: “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.”
Read MoreIn today’s First Reading, we hear how Israel’s kings have failed in their responsibilities for the welfare of their people. The shepherds, charged to gather and protect, have instead “scattered God’s flock and driven them away” by not attending to them. They have abandoned their true ministry and failed to teach the people the true demands of the covenant and the right practice of religion. To avoid becoming like those kings, we must be careful to remain diligent in our work of preaching the Gospel.
Read MoreSt. Pope John Paul II echoed Our Lord’s sentiment in the Gospel when he wrote, “The Church does not impose; she only proposes.”
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