Memorial of Saint
Bernard, abbot and Doctor of the Church
(Ezekiel 34:1-11; Matthew 20:1-16)
King Louis XIV of France, the Sun King, was once in the
country hunting with falcons. Two
peasants were watching the royal party, one of whom was quite taken up with the
regalia and the other very sober about it.
When the king stopped his horse to perch a falcon on his gloved hand,
the first peasant remarked how magnificent the scene was. The second only commented that at least the
king’s hand was occupied so that being it wasn’t taking anything out of his
pockets. In today’s reading from Ezekiel
the prophet chastises kings who similarly abuse their offices by taking tribute
from the people and ignoring their needs.
In ancient times especially the king was considered the
shepherd of his people. As we think of
pastors taking care of the spiritual needs of their congregations, kings and,
derivatively, princes were responsible for the temporal needs of their citizens. The people exchanged their work for a roof
over their heads, food on the table, and protection from enemies. In the reading Ezekiel excoriates the leaders
of Israel for abusing the rights of taxation and leading the people astray. So,
Ezekiel claims, the Lord Himself will take control over the people to lead them
rightly. This prophecy is fulfilled in
the coming of Christ, the Good Shepherd.
Certainly civil leaders are owed deference, respect, and
loyalty. We obey the laws they make in
acknowledgement that God has appointed them to lead the people in temporal
matters. Citizenship is a virtue that
when widely cultivated leads to peace and justice in society.
