A duty enjoined towards oppressed peoples. “Feed the flock (sheep) of the slaughter.” These shepherds, these rulers of the Hebrew people, “slaughtered” the people. Their rights, energies, liberties and independency are “slaughtered,” their means of subsistence and advancement are “slaughtered.” People “slaughtered” in these respects abound in every state and place in Europe. “Feed” them--
1. With the knowledge of their rights as men.
2. With the knowledge of the true methods to obtain these rights. Not by violence and spoliation but by moral means, by skilful industry, by temperate habits, by economic management, by moral suasion.
3. With the knowledge of worthy motives by which to obtain these rights.
II. Here is a sketch of the authors of oppression.
1. They are cruel. “Whose possessors slay them.”
2. They are impious. In all their cruelties they “hold themselves not guilty.” The greatest despots of the world have ever been ready to justify themselves to their own consciences.
3. They are avaricious. “And they that sell them, say, Blessed be the Lord; for I am rich.” A miserable greed was their inspiration. (Homilist.)
A good shepherd
I would give my life for these poor people of the Soudan. How can I help feeling for them? All the time I was there, every night I used to pray that God would lay upon me the burden of their sins, and crush me with it instead of these poor sheep. I really wished it and longed for it. (General Gordon.)
