To lead them astray: Jesus saves his harshest words for false shepherds. “Woe to you Pharisees! You pay tithes of mint and of rue and of every garden herb, but you pay no attention to judgment and to love for God… You love the seat of honor in synagogues and greetings in marketplaces. (Lk.11: 42-43)
To those who study Judaic Law, meaning they are the educated class, he is equally harsh. Jesus said, “Woe also to you scholars of the law! You impose on people burdens hard to carry, but you yourselves do not lift one finger to touch them.” (Lk.11:47)
We want to follow Christ
As Christ’s followers we want those who lead us to reflect Christ in what they say and do. It would be wrong of us to expect them to be perfect since , like ourselves, they are sinners. But when leaders presumptively clothe themselves in piety but neglect love and mercy towards others, we become disillusioned.
Our way towards God and eternal happiness can quickly go off course. We may find ourselves as Jesus predicts falling into “… unseen graves “. (Lk. 11:44) So how do we as Christians deal with a false shepherd? We are not members of the Magisterium who may question a bishop, priest, or another consecrated person on their impiety. Some of us in our lives may have encountered a priest who was demonstrating what we feel is pharisaical behavior towards ourselves or others. This can lead us to become angry, judgmental and threaten our own relationship with Christ.
The Good Shepherd
Reflecting on Jesus’ words, then, in this gospel should provide comfort that He recognizes the danger of false shepherds and that He, not we, will judge that person harshly. We should turn to our spiritual works of mercy and bear such a wrong patiently and pray for this individual. No one likes to imagine spiritual leaders being false shepherds, but we know we live in an imperfect world where the Evil One roams. Let us be at peace knowing that Our Lord is the Good Shepherd who watches over us at all times.
