Dear brothers and sisters, today we are invited to reflect on the powerful messages contained in our readings from Ezekiel and Matthew. We encounter the profound imagery of God as the ultimate Shepherd and the challenging parable of the laborers in the vineyard. Both readings challenge us to examine our roles as shepherds and laborers in the Lord’s vineyard, reminding us of our responsibilities toward one another and our call to serve with humility and generosity just as Pope Saint Pius X, whose memorial we celebrate today, so beautifully did in his own ministry as universal pastor of the Church.
In the book of Ezekiel, God speaks a strong word of judgment against the shepherds of Israel—those who were entrusted to care for His people but failed in their duties. Instead of nurturing the weak and healing the sick, they fed off the flock, using their positions for personal gain rather than for service. The stern warning we hear evokes in us a sense of urgency to reflect upon our own lives and the lives of our leaders.
Pope Saint Pius X, the 227th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, is a shining example of a true shepherd who bore the weight of responsibility for his flock. Born Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto in 1835 in Riese, Italy, he grew up in a humble family, instilled with a deep sense of faith.
Before ascending to the papacy in 1903, he served as a parish priest, bishop, and cardinal, consistently demonstrating compassion for the poor and commitment to pastoral care. He understood profoundly the meaning of shepherding—working tirelessly to strengthen the weak, heal the sick, and bind up the injured.
As pope, Pius X initiated numerous reforms, including a widespread catechetical movement to educate the laity and improve the depth of faith. He emphasized the importance of the Eucharist, desiring that even young children receive Holy Communion. His pastoral concern for souls manifested in a call to simplify and purify Church teachings, so they could more effectively reach the hearts and minds of the faithful. Like the good shepherd, Pius X sought not to feast on his position of authority but to serve his flock, laying down his life in devotion to God and the people he led.
The Gospel reading from Matthew presents us with the poignant parable of the laborers in the vineyard. The landowner’s surprising generosity, rewarding those who worked only a short time with the same wages as those who toiled all day, invites us to question our notions of fairness and equity. Why are we so often driven by a desire for recognition for our hard work? Why do we find it difficult to rejoice in the good fortune of others?
Pope Saint Pius X exemplified a spirit of generosity and humility, where his actions, rather than seeking honor or recognition, were always directed toward lifting others up. His teachings and reforms reflected God’s love for everyone, especially those who might be considered last in society. He recognized that in God’s eyes, each person is valued equally—He delights in the repentance of the sinner just as much as in the pious devotion of the saint.
As we reflect on these readings and the life of Pope Saint Pius X, let us remember that we are all called to be shepherds in our own right. We are called to care for one another, to lift up those who are weak, to seek out the lost, and to extend compassion to all, regardless of how long they have labored in the vineyard.
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