Here, Fr. Chinaka reflects on the severity of the damages done by the shepherds on the sheep, taking his inspiration from the book of Ezekiel. After harshly challenging the kings, and all those who held office in Israel that were found guilty of the fall of Jerusalem, and deportation, the prophet goes on to challenge the false shepherds (religious authorities) on their part. They let themselves be driven by selfishness, abusing power and exploiting the people for their own benefit. "Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who feed themselves!" Was the accusing cry of the prophet. They fed themselves, instead of putting themselves at the service of the flock, to defend them from the beasts and to guide them to good pastures, to look for the lost sheep and to care for the weak, they were rather benefitting from the flock my maltreating them; therefore, contributing to the tragedy: the fall of Jerusalem and exile. Now, God holds them accountable for the damage done and He's going to take away their power over the people, taking charge, Himself, as their true Shepherd. First Reading: Ezekiel 34:1-11 Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 22(23) Gospel Reading: Matthew 20:1-16 _______________________________________ (Background music: "O that today you would listen to His voice") Kindly visit my blog and read other interesting articles/reflections: https://www.chinakasreflections.com Do share this with your loved ones and let us grow in faith together. ✅ Kindly Subscribe in youtube.com/channel/UCsfk2zOGQosTI1_e8IVFR4g?view_as=subscriber ✅ Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cjmbaeri?ref... ✅ Subscribe in my Website: https://www.chinakasreflections.com/ Brought to you by: © Fr. Chinaka Justin Mbaeri, OSJ Paroquia Nossa Senhora de Fatima, Vila Sabrina, São Paulo, Brazil nozickcjoe@gmail.com / fadacjay@gmail.com