XVI SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME: Jeremiah 23:1-6
In God’s name, Jeremiah accuses the leaders of his people of abusing their position: they oppress and commit injustices, ignoring the plight of the people and using their power and knowledge to foster their own interests.
“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” (Jer 23:1). They don’t care but about themselves.
Are today’s leaders better than the ones of Jeremiah’s time? Do they have the interests of the people at heart? Do they feel compassion for the suffering of the poor? There are so many who get rich by putting in their pockets what does not belong to them.
“Behold, I will attend to you for your evil deeds, declares the Lord.” (Jer 23:2). Remember: God cannot be bought with money. He knows what we do, and there is no way of hiding from him. He is just being patient, but time will come for retribution.
All the leaders must realise that they are at the service of the people, and the people who chose them can kick them out.
The true leader must practice “honesty and integrity in the land” (Jer 23:5).
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