Dearest Goddaughter (LTR-98) - I will tend my sheep

Dearest Goddaughter,

Today is the Memorial of Saint Pius X, Pope.

The first reading today, from the Prophet Ezekiel, gives us a beautiful image of God as the Shepherd who looks after and tends his sheep. We are reminded of Jesus as the Good Shepherd who tends his flock and leaves the 99 sheep to go after the 1 lost sheep that strays from the flock.

Our Father in heaven continues to bless the Church with many wonderful shepherds - bishops and priests - who love and care for their flock - the faithful people of God. It is important for us to pray for our bishops and priests so that the Evil One does not ensnare them and lead them away from our Lord Jesus Christ, the High Priest.

Finally, today's Gospel reading gives us hope that even if we are "late to the game", God gives us all equal opportunities to turn to Him (or return to Him) and serve Him. His grace, mercy, and forgiveness is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow; therefore, it is never too late to come home and be in His loving presence.

Love,

Bỏ Phúc

P.S. These are the readings for the day: Ez 34:1-11 and Mt 20:1-16 (see below).

. .. 

Jesus told his disciples this parable:

"The Kingdom of heaven is like a landowner

who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard.

After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage,

he sent them into his vineyard.

Going out about nine o'clock,

he saw others standing idle in the marketplace,

and he said to them, 'You too go into my vineyard,

and I will give you what is just.'

So they went off.

And he went out again around noon,

and around three o'clock, and did likewise.

Going out about five o'clock,

he found others standing around, and said to them,

'Why do you stand here idle all day?'

They answered, 'Because no one has hired us.'

He said to them, 'You too go into my vineyard.'

When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman,

'Summon the laborers and give them their pay,

beginning with the last and ending with the first.'

When those who had started about five o'clock came,

each received the usual daily wage.

So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more,

but each of them also got the usual wage.

And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, saying,

'These last ones worked only one hour,

and you have made them equal to us,

who bore the day's burden and the heat.'

He said to one of them in reply,

'My friend, I am not cheating you.

Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage?

Take what is yours and go.

What if I wish to give this last one the same as you?

Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money?

Are you envious because I am generous?'

Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last."