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Friday, July 23, 2010

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St. Bridget of Sweden


Jeremiah 3:14-17
Jeremiah 31:10-13
Matthew 13:18-23

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why bad leaders?

"I will appoint over you shepherds after My own heart, who will shepherd you wisely and prudently." —Jeremiah 3:15

In the old covenant, kings and other secular leaders were called shepherds. Also, after Jesus called Himself "the Good Shepherd" (Jn 10:14), religious leaders in the new covenant were seen as shepherds. Consequently, in the light of the new covenant, the Lord promises to give us both political and religious leaders after His own heart. The Lord promises us not only holy popes, bishops, priests, and lay leaders but also holy presidents, legislators, governors, mayors, civil officials, executives, and employers.

When is the Lord's promise to give us godly shepherds going to be fulfilled? Before the Lord made this promise, He commanded us to repent of rebelling against Him and to return to Him (Jer 3:14). When our political and religious leaders are bad and not submissive to the Lord's authority, we may be getting a "dose of our own medicine." Therefore, repent and go to Confession for God's sake, your sake, and for the sake of holy and godly leadership in our society and Church.

Prayer:  Father, may I be the leader You want me to be for the building of Your kingdom.

Promise:  "What was sown on good soil is the man who hears the message and takes it in. He it is who bears a yield of a hundred- or sixty- or thirtyfold." —Mt 13:23

Praise:  St. Bridget dwelt more on practicing charity rather than receiving spiritual favors.

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 29, 2009

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