Thursday May 30, 2024
Theme: “The need for salvation gives rise to the need for a good shepherd”
Text: 1 Kings 12:12-16
12. Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam on the third day, as the king had said: Return to me in three days. 13. The king responded harshly to the people. He left the counsel which the old men had given him, 14. and thus spake unto them according to the counsel of the young men: My father hath made your yoke heavy, and I will make it heavier for you; my father chastised you with whips, and I will chastise you with scorpions. 15. So the king did not listen to the people; for this was directed by the LORD, to fulfill the word which the LORD spake by Ahijah the Shiloh unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat. 16. When all Israel saw that the king would not listen to him, the people answered the king, What part have we with David? We have no inheritance with the son of Jesse! To your tents, Israel! Now provide for your house, David! And Israel went to his tents.
Let's remember:
Being a shepherd implies gentleness, temperance, love, understanding of the people. The shepherd must bring peace where it was once lacking. He must unearth the needs of the sheep before they ask for them. Bad company can lead to decision-making that does not conform to the sheep's expectations. Men can be shepherds but Jesus is the good shepherd. He collects our prayer requests and answers them. When the people come to Him, He tells them what makes them happy. He grants rest to his people; he removes the heavy yoke and sets the oppressed free. This is what the good shepherd does in our life; he takes care of our grievances and satisfies them. Parents are shepherds of their homes. God's servants are also servants of their communities. How do we receive the flock who come to request our indulgence? Are we making their days difficult? Some parents easily spend money outside the family circle and make life difficult for children and spouses. As for the servants of God, many only ask for money and never pray that the faithful have stable jobs, that they have stable homes, that they never lack oil and flour. God hears the cries of the people while the shepherds do not hear them. Let us be like the good shepherd. Have a great Thursday. Amen
Alain Louz.-
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