Woe to Lukewarm Shepherds (Priests too)

Those attending Mass for the 16th Sunday of Ordinary Time heard strong words in the opening of the Old Testament reading taken from the prophet Jeremiah.

“Woe to the shepherds who mislead and scatter the flock of my pasture,

says the LORD. Therefore, thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, against the shepherds who shepherd my people: You have scattered my sheep and driven them away.

You have not cared for them, but I will take care to punish your evil deeds.”

It is no coincidence that this passage will correlate with the problems the Catholic Church is facing.  The clergy is experiencing division among their ranks and even themselves. Why?

Many priests and bishops haven’t thoroughly preached the truth because of fear. They fear that they will see empty seats the moment he preaches on why abortion or gay marriage is wrong. The priest wants to fit in. When priests do share the truth, they get canceled by bishops who are afraid to support them. Meanwhile, bishops and priests in Germany are blessing the sin of pride in their churches. Even worse, abusing the sacred liturgy by doing sacrilegious activities like having a meditation session on the altar. Earlier this year a priest in Florida was placed on leave for child abuse despite known for abusing liturgy. 

Well, here’s a newsflash

Jesus didn’t appease or please many people. Rather, he challenged those who claim to be of “religious” authority. He called on sinners to repent of their evil ways. He even was in the company of many, yet he never celebrated their sins. He was challenged, baited, and even unwelcome, yet he managed to instruct people on what God intended for us to live our lives. If Jesus were alive today, he would challenge the bishops who allow sin in the church.

A recent article was released that priests ordained in recent years are leaning toward the conservative side of their thinking. It's good to see that tide is after the Second Vatican Council and that these young men are eager to restore what was lost in the church. Yet, Catholics must understand what constitute a good shepherd. 

A good shepherd feeds his sheep with God’s love and mercy. He would drop everything to help that one sheep find his or her way back to God. He would offer words that will help the repentant sinner be contrite in their sins. He would unwaveringly preach to his flock the truth about Christ.

Let us pray for both priests and bishops who must renew their promises during ordination and those who are under attack by Satan.