From Fr. Jude Botelho:
The kings in Jeremiah's times were supposed to be good shepherds of the flock entrusted to them by God, but they were using the flock for their own evil purposes. Jeremiah, issues a stern warning against the shepherds who have not lived up to their calling and at the same time a message of hope for those who have suffered at their hands. Today's message is not only addressed to shepherds of the Church, but also to every Christian because all of us are called to be 'shepherds' in some way or another, called to care for others; to encourage one another by the good example of our lives. At the same time if we have been disillusioned by the failures of our leaders, we do not have to lose hope. All is not lost, because God has not abandoned his people. He promises that there will be new shepherds who will care for his people and ultimately He reminds us that He himself will care for His flock.
The kings in Jeremiah's times were supposed to be good shepherds of the flock entrusted to them by God, but they were using the flock for their own evil purposes. Jeremiah, issues a stern warning against the shepherds who have not lived up to their calling and at the same time a message of hope for those who have suffered at their hands. Today's message is not only addressed to shepherds of the Church, but also to every Christian because all of us are called to be 'shepherds' in some way or another, called to care for others; to encourage one another by the good example of our lives. At the same time if we have been disillusioned by the failures of our leaders, we do not have to lose hope. All is not lost, because God has not abandoned his people. He promises that there will be new shepherds who will care for his people and ultimately He reminds us that He himself will care for His flock.
