In 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.”
Read MoreWe’ve all heard the phrase, “familiarity breeds contempt” and in today’s Gospel, we see this maxim proved true. Our Blessed Lord returned to His hometown to teach in the synagogue and “astounded” His listeners, who were buzzing with infectious excitement. Soon after, however, envy arose and they “took offense at him.”
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