Friday, February 4, 2022

Homily for Friday, Week 4 of Ordinary Time

Homily for Friday
4th Week of Ordinary Time

Feb. 4, 2022
Sir 47: 2-11
Mark 6: 14-29
Provincial House, New Rochelle, N.Y.

As we read the 1st Book of Samuel, we heard the judge’s denunciation of kings who ruled tyrannically (8: 4-7, 10-22).  The book also offers a more benevolent picture of Jewish kings as protectors of the people (cf. 1 Sam 11).

David, by Nicolas Cordier
(St. Mary Major, Rome)

Our 2 readings today present us with both views:  David, the ideal king of Israel, faithful to God despite his faults, a good shepherd of God’s flock; and Herod Antipas, a depraved, self-serving rule who cares not for the people, not even for saints.

Always put before us—by Pope Francis, by Don Bosco, by the Gospels—is the choice of what kind of shepherd we’ll choose to be.  By God’s grace, may we be like Jesus the Good Shepherd.

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