Animalization

Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Ezekiel 34:1-11; Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6; Matthew 20:1-16

Summary

For thus says the Lord GOD: Look! I myself will search for my sheep and examine them. I myself will pasture my sheep; I myself will give them rest (Ez 34:11,15).

In our first reading today we have the Parable of the Shepherds. It is a prophecy against the shepherds actions and the need for the Lord to pasture the sheep instead. The specific examples hint of the underlying problem with the bad shepherds: Animalization (Dehumanization), [they are to be] plunder, because my sheep became food for wild beasts.

The sheep image itself does not dehumanize. Psalm 23 makes that clear. Animalization occurs when the shepherd no longer sees the sheep as lives entrusted to him, but as something to exploit, consume, or abandon.

Why?

They have been pasturing themselves!
But should not shepherds, rather, pasture sheep?

The lost I will search out, the strays I will bring back, the injured I will bind up, and the sick I will heal; but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd them in judgment (Ez 34:16).

Our psalmist gives us an experiential expression of having a good Shepherd.
Psalm 23 reverses that stripping away of moral worth and restores the reality that we are valued, protected, and loved

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
Beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.

He guides me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage.

You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

Only goodness and kindness will follow me
all the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
for years to come.

Reflection

The example of Ezekiel and Psalm 23 are beautiful and agricultural expressions of the experiences of having bad and good shepherds. In the Gospel, Jesus moves the problem from shepherd and sheep to person and person. When another person’s blessing becomes a threat to me, I have begun reducing that person to a comparison rather than receiving them as a neighbor.

Generosity brings joy. When another person’s blessing does not awaken joy in us, something within us needs examination.

Are you envious because I am generous?

Personal Reflection

If it ever happens that you are envious rather than joyful for another’s blessings, ask yourself: What has stolen my Joy?
Try instead to remember: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081926.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry