Work Reward on the Way

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to assess our understanding of our mission as Christians and the reward for attending to our vocation.

The Shepherd knows the Sheep

The Reading from Prophet Ezekiel is the Parable of the Shepherds responsibility.

* [34:2] Shepherds: the leaders of the people. A frequent title for kings and deities in the ancient Near East; the ideal ruler took care of his subjects and anticipated their needs. Ezekiel’s oracle broadens the reference to include the whole class of Jerusalem’s leaders (v. 17). The prophet assures his audience, the exiles in Babylon, that God holds these leaders responsible for what has happened to Jerusalem and will give Israel a new shepherd worthy of the title. (Ezekiel, CHAPTER 34 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 23 proclaims God as a good shepherd as is common in both the Old Testament and the New Testament.

* [Psalm 23] God’s loving care for the psalmist is portrayed under the figures of a shepherd for the flock (Ps 23:1–4) and a host’s generosity toward a guest (Ps 23:5–6). The imagery of both sections is drawn from traditions of the exodus (Is 40:11; 49:10; Jer 31:10).

* [23:1] My shepherd: God as good shepherd is common in both the Old Testament and the New Testament (Ez 34:11–16; Jn 10:11–18).

* [23:3] Right paths: connotes “right way” and “way of righteousness.”

* [23:5] You set a table before me: this expression occurs in an exodus context in Ps 78:19. In front of my enemies: my enemies see that I am God’s friend and guest. Oil: a perfumed ointment made from olive oil, used especially at banquets (Ps 104:15; Mt 26:7; Lk 7:37, 46; Jn 12:2).

* [23:6] Goodness and mercy: the blessings of God’s covenant with Israel. (Psalms, PSALM 23 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus addresses justice for The Workers in the Vineyard.

* [20:1–16] This parable is peculiar to Matthew. It is difficult to know whether the evangelist composed it or received it as part of his traditional material and, if the latter is the case, what its original reference was. In its present context its close association with Mt 19:30 suggests that its teaching is the equality of all the disciples in the reward of inheriting eternal life.

* [20:4] What is just: although the wage is not stipulated as in the case of those first hired, it will be fair.

* [20:8] Beginning with the last…the first: this element of the parable has no other purpose than to show how the first knew what the last were given (Mt 20:12).

* [20:13] I am not cheating you: literally, “I am not treating you unjustly.”

* [20:14–15] The owner’s conduct involves no violation of justice (Mt 20:4, 13), and that all the workers receive the same wage is due only to his generosity to the latest arrivals; the resentment of the first comes from envy.

* [20:16] See note on Mt 19:30. (Matthew, CHAPTER 20 | USCCB, n.d.)

Angela Maynard declares God is incredibly loving and generous. He doesn’t keep track of who does what or for how long. If one believes in God, his love is unconditional and boundless.

Another story that seems to be full of unfairness is that of the Prodigal son. The son who didn’t follow the rules and left the family seemed to be rewarded when he finally decided to return. This was another example of God’s unconditional love—no matter what.

Are there other examples throughout the Gospels that illustrate God’s boundless love even when it may not seem fair? How much time do you spend keeping track of things, making sure that all things are equal—and missing a bigger meaning in the process?

Take some time to reflect and be patient with yourself. It’s taken me many, many years to finally hear the message of today’s gospel. I hope it doesn’t take you nearly as long. (Maynard, 2026)

Rob Kim suggests 5 simple ways to infuse more joy into your work life by approaching work with a joyful mindset can change everything. 

Stephen J. Dubner cites Mark Twain on the Leisure/Work Divide. “Work consists of what a body is obliged to do… Play consists of what a body is not obliged to do”

Don Schwager quotes “Christ our householder,” by author unknown, from the 5th century A.D.

"The householder [in Matthew's parable - chapter 20] is Christ, to whom the heavens and the earth are like a single house; the family is as it were the multitude of creatures both angelic and earthly. It is as if he built a three-storied house: hell, heaven and earth, so that those struggling may live upon the earth, those conquered below the earth, those conquering in heaven. We too, set in the middle, should strive not to descend to those who are in hell but ascend to those who are in heaven. And in case perhaps you do not know which one you ought to shun or which one you ought to aspire to, he has given you as it were a little taste of both while you live between light and darkness: night as a taste of hell, daylight as a taste of heaven." (excerpt from an incomplete Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew, HOMILY 34) (Schwager, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the condemnation of the shepherds of Israel by Ezekiel. The royal family and priesthood failed to protect those with no power. God will punish the shepherds and God will be the Shepherd. During the Dedication Feast, Jesus applies passage to himself Jesus will shepherd the Flock. Jesus is God Matthew the landower with a vineyard and hires workers throughout the day The last receive the regular days wage but all receive the same pay regardless of the hours worker The receive generosity God will give the reward of heaven to those working at it and those who come later We don't earn or buy heaven and we experience heaven by opening our heart in our good deeds and prayers early and often.

The Word Among Us Meditation on Ezekiel 34:1-11 comments that our true Shepherd searches for any sheep that have been scattered. Whether they have scattered because of those trying to cause harm or simply because they wandered off, the shepherd keeps looking until each one is found.

Our true Shepherd binds up the wounds of the sheep and brings healing. You are his sheep, and he restores your broken heart with his love. He heals you when you come to him wounded by sin. He restores you to your brothers and sisters and, through them, provides you with encouragement and hope.

“Lord Jesus, thank you for being my Shepherd. I praise you for your promise to lead me. I am so grateful to be one of your flock.” (Meditation on Ezekiel 34:1-11, n.d.)

Brian McLaren considers how the Hebrew prophets dreamed of peace in the midst of war and oppression.

The first thirty-nine chapters of Isaiah were situated in the southern kingdom of Judah…. The prophet saw deep spiritual corruption and complacency among his people and warned them that this kind of behavior would lead to decline and defeat.

That defeat came in 587 BC at the hand of the Babylonians. After the invasion, many survivors were taken as exiles to Babylon. Chapters 40–55, often called Second Isaiah, addressed those Judean exiles, inspiring hope that they would someday return to their homeland and rebuild it. That soon happened, beginning in 538 BCE under the leadership of Ezra and Nehemiah. That era of rebuilding was the setting for Third Isaiah, chapters 56–66.

For readers in later generations, ingredients from these three different settings blend into one rich recipe for hope, full of imagery that still energizes our imagination today….

They shall beat their swords into plowshares,

and their spears into pruning-hooks.

Nation shall not lift up sword against nation,

Neither shall they learn war any more (2:4)….

The wolf shall live with the lamb,

the leopard shall lie down with the kid,

the calf and the lion will feed together,

and a little child shall lead them (11:6)….

Isaiah’s descriptions of that better day were so inspiring that Jesus and his early followers quoted Isaiah more than any other writer. But many other prophets added their own colors to this beautiful vision of hope. In Ezekiel’s vision, people’s hearts of stone will be replaced with hearts of flesh. For Malachi, the hearts of parents would turn to their children, and children to their parents. Joel describes the Spirit of God being poured out on all humanity—young and old, men and women, Jew and Gentile. Amos paints the vivid scene of justice rolling down like a river, filling all the lowest places…. (McLaren, n.d.)

We invoke the Spirit as we express thanksgiving for the privilege of being workers in the vineyard who experience the action long sought by the Prophets to beat swords into ploughshares and spears into pruning hooks.

References

Ezekiel, CHAPTER 34 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 19, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ezekiel/34? 

Matthew, CHAPTER 20 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 19, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/20? 

Maynard, A. (2026, August 19). Daily Reflection August 19, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Daily Readings. Retrieved August 19, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-august-19-2026 

McLaren, B. (n.d.). A Prophetic Dream of Peace. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved August 19, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-prophetic-dream-of-peace/ 

Meditation on Ezekiel 34:1-11. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved August 19, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/08/19/1650173/ 

Psalms, PSALM 23 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 19, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/23? 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Do You Begrudge My Generosity? Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved August 19, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Shepherd of Abundant Life

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, Good Shepherd Sunday, invite us to act on the experience we have of the love of Christ in our lives to be the present to the people in our environment, welcoming them to the Care of the Shepherd.

A Good Shepherd Legacy

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles presents Peter’s Speech at Pentecost about our Communal Life.

* [2:14–36] The first of six discourses in Acts (along with Acts 3:12–26; 4:8–12; 5:29–32; 10:34–43; 13:16–41) dealing with the resurrection of Jesus and its messianic import. Five of these are attributed to Peter, the final one to Paul. Modern scholars term these discourses in Acts the “kerygma,” the Greek word for proclamation (cf. 1 Cor 15:11).

* [2:42–47] The first of three summary passages (along with Acts 4:32–37; 5:12–16) that outline, somewhat idyllically, the chief characteristics of the Jerusalem community: adherence to the teachings of the Twelve and the centering of its religious life in the eucharistic liturgy (Acts 2:42); a system of distribution of goods that led wealthier Christians to sell their possessions when the needs of the community’s poor required it (Acts 2:44 and the note on Acts 4:32–37); and continued attendance at the temple, since in this initial stage there was little or no thought of any dividing line between Christianity and Judaism (Acts 2:46). (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 23 proclaims God as a good shepherd. 

* [Psalm 23] God’s loving care for the psalmist is portrayed under the figures of a shepherd for the flock (Ps 23:1–4) and a host’s generosity toward a guest (Ps 23:5–6). The imagery of both sections is drawn from traditions of the exodus (Is 40:11; 49:10; Jer 31:10).

* [23:1] My shepherd: God as good shepherd is common in both the Old Testament and the New Testament (Ez 34:11–16; Jn 10:11–18).

* [23:3] Right paths: connotes “right way” and “way of righteousness.”

* [23:5] You set a table before me: this expression occurs in an exodus context in Ps 78:19. In front of my enemies: my enemies see that I am God’s friend and guest. Oil: a perfumed ointment made from olive oil, used especially at banquets (Ps 104:15; Mt 26:7; Lk 7:37, 46; Jn 12:2).

* [23:6] Goodness and mercy: the blessings of God’s covenant with Israel. (Psalms, PSALM 23 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Reading from the First Letter of Peter presents Christians as Suffering Servants.

* [2:21] Suffered: some ancient manuscripts and versions read “died” (cf. 1 Pt 3:18).

* [2:22–25] After the quotation of Is 53:9b, the passage describes Jesus’ passion with phrases concerning the Suffering Servant from Is 53:4–12, perhaps as employed in an early Christian confession of faith; cf. 1 Pt 1:18–21 and 1 Pt 3:18–22.

* [2:25] The shepherd and guardian of your souls: the familiar shepherd and flock figures express the care, vigilance, and love of God for his people in the Old Testament (Ps 23; Is 40:11; Jer 23:4–5; Ez 34:11–16) and of Jesus for all humanity in the New Testament (Mt 18:10–14; Lk 15:4–7; Jn 10:1–16; Heb 13:20). (1 Peter, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus proclaims His mission as The Good Shepherd.

* [10:1–21] The good shepherd discourse continues the theme of attack on the Pharisees that ends Jn 9. The figure is allegorical: the hired hands are the Pharisees who excommunicated the cured blind man. It serves as a commentary on Jn 9. For the shepherd motif, used of Yahweh in the Old Testament, cf. Ex 34; Gn 48:15; 49:24; Mi 7:14; Ps 23:1–4; 80:1.

* [10:1] Sheepfold: a low stone wall open to the sky.

* [10:4] Recognize his voice: the Pharisees do not recognize Jesus, but the people of God, symbolized by the blind man, do.

* [10:6] Figure of speech: John uses a different word for illustrative speech than the “parable” of the synoptics, but the idea is similar.

* [10:7–10] In Jn 10:7–8, the figure is of a gate for the shepherd to come to the sheep; in Jn 10:9–10, the figure is of a gate for the sheep to come in and go out.

* [10:8] [Before me]: these words are omitted in many good early manuscripts and versions.

* [10:16] Other sheep: the Gentiles, possibly a reference to “God’s dispersed children” of Jn 11:52 destined to be gathered into one, or “apostolic Christians” at odds with the community of the beloved disciple.

* [10:18] Power to take it up again: contrast the role of the Father as the efficient cause of the resurrection in Acts 2:24; 4:10; etc.; Rom 1:4; 4:24. Yet even here is added: This command I have received from my Father. (John, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. Rashmi Fernando, SJ, comments that the Gospel of the Fourth Sunday of Easter (John 10:1–10) presents to us the enduring image of Christ as the Good Shepherd, the depth of which could be understood only in contrast to the hired hand. In a world marked today by crises of care and failures of leadership—where institutions falter, conflicts intensify, and the vulnerable are often abandoned—understanding these images becomes not only revealing but deeply challenging.

In a fractured world like today’s, we witness leaders who act as “hired hands”—driven by profit, power, or self-preservation—abandoning their people in moments of crisis. Whether in global conflicts, economic instability, or humanitarian neglect, the “wolves” of fear, injustice, and division scatter the flock, often because compliance is demanded rather than trust nurtured. Yet Jesus reveals a different kind of power: one rooted in humility, care, and self-sacrifice. His authority comforts rather than crushes. The Good Shepherd reminds us: true leadership is not an occupation—it is a vocation of love that gives life.

This Gospel, then, is not only about Christ—it is also about us. In our families, communities, and places of influence, we are called to embody this shepherding presence. To lead not by fear, but by love. To remain when it is difficult. To listen before speaking. To protect rather than exploit. Hence, let us ask ourselves:

In my own context, do I feel like a sheep led together or from the front with presence and courage, or do I find myself as cattle pushed from behind out of fear or convenience?

In my leadership and influence on others, what do I hold in my hands—a staff that guides, protects, and uplifts, or a stick that pressures, controls, and distances?

How actively do I listen and how intentionally do I speak to those entrusted to me—does my voice foster trust, healing, and genuine relationships? (Fernando, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Green pastures and still waters,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"The pastures that this good shepherd has prepared for you, in which he has settled you for you to take your fill, are not various kinds of grasses and green things, among which some are sweet to the taste, some extremely bitter, which as the seasons succeed one another are sometimes there and sometimes not. Your pastures are the words of God and his commandments, and they have all been sown as sweet grasses. These pastures had been tasted by that man who said to God, 'How sweet are your words to my palate, more so than honey and the honeycomb in my mouth!'" (excerpt from Sermon 366,3,1) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 2:14, 36-41 comments that we might say that the people in Jerusalem that day were like the sheep Jesus spoke about in the Gospel. He is the Good Shepherd who called them “by name” and beckoned them to follow him (John 10:3). “Cut to the heart,” they decided to give their hearts to him. What an appropriate story for Good Shepherd Sunday!

Today, thank Jesus for piercing your heart and filling you with his love. Rejoice that the good news of his salvation has the power to change hearts even now. Then pray for all the people you know who have yet to follow Jesus. Pray that they will be “cut to the heart” and find in that sorrow the greatest joy they could ever know.

“Good Shepherd, I want to follow you all the days of my life!” (Meditation on Acts 2:14, 36-41, n.d.)

Jenny Kraska offers the Lord’s Day Reflection from Vatican News today “ When shepherds meet the Good Shepherd”.

The figure of the shepherd would have resonated deeply with those who first heard these words. A true shepherd knows his sheep intimately – their habits, their fears, even their stubbornness – and remains with them, especially in danger. 

Jesus contrasts this with the thief who comes only to steal and destroy. In a world filled with competing voices and false promises, this distinction remains urgent.

The voice of Christ is not one of confusion or coercion, but of truth, peace, and abundant life. (Kraska, 2026)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in Acts the very end of the kerygma of Peter is proclaimed. This is the story of Jesus sent by God and it queries our response. “What should I do?” The thousands of converts mentioned is likely a scriptural exaggeration. Christians are a small number at this time,  but it indicates success in teaching about Christ. We face the question of how to respond to evil? It must be with love and forgiveness, following Jesus' example. The passage from the Gospel (John 1-10) portrays that we are sheep and Jesus is the Shepherd or the Sheep Gate. Jesus' mission is to reveal how much God loves us. As Shepherd, He protects us from falseness. He knows us by name and resonates with how He calls Mary Magdalene in the Garden. Being called a sheep today is different, like a follower without thought. In Jesus' time, sheep got into difficulty and the Shepherd had to protect sheep from enemies and even its own actions.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, reflects on the relationship between anxiety, fear, and faith. The Bible says “Do not be afraid” almost 150 times! If we cannot calmly hold a certain degree of fear and anxiety, we will always look for somewhere to expel it. Expelling what we can’t embrace gives us an identity, but it’s a negative identity. It’s not life energy, it’s death energy.

One could sum up the Bible, and our lives, as an interplay of fear and faith. In general, people are obsessed and overpowered by fears; they fear what they cannot control. God is one of our primary fears, because God is totally beyond us and totally beyond our control. The good news is that God has breached that fear and become one of us in Jesus. Through Jesus, God says, in effect, “You can stop being afraid. It’s okay. You don’t have to live in chattering fear of me.”

The opening chapter of Luke’s Gospel presents Mary as the archetypal Christian because God comes into her life and proclaims the divine presence within her, immediately telling her through the angel, “Do not be afraid” (Luke 1:30). Through the same divine Spirit, God comes into our lives and announces the divine presence within each of us. All we are asked to do is be present and open. Only after God calls Mary beyond her fear does God give the message of her calling. 

Fear can keep us from hearing what is really being said. Mary’s spirituality is focused on trusting. She said, “Let what you have said be done to me” (Luke 1:38). She doesn’t try to explain or understand. She just says, “I trust you, God. Do with me what you will. Let it be.” [2] (Rohr, n.d.)

We reflect on the times on our journey when our fear or uncertainty was healed by our experience of the Presence of the Good Shepherd to restate His Mission that we should have life and have it abundantly as we accept His role to guide us in love.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 26, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/2?14 

Fernando, R. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved April 26, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-april-26-2026 

John, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 26, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/10?1 

Kraska, J. (2026, April 25). Lord’s Day Reflection: When shepherds meet the Good Shepherd. Vatican News. Retrieved April 26, 2026, from https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-04/gospel-reflection-fourth-sunday-easter.html 

Meditation on Acts 2:14, 36-41. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved April 26, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/04/26/1550553/ 

1 Peter, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 26, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1peter/2?20 

Psalms, PSALM 23 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 26, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/23? 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Trust in God. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved April 26, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/trust-in-god/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). I Came That They May Have Life Abundantly. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved April 26, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/