So be it!

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you that kill the prophets and stone those who are sent to you! How often had I longed to gather your children, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you refused! So be it!” (Matthew 23: 37 – 38)

When Jesus founded his Church, he created the positions of bishops and priests to pasture his people as a shepherd pastures his flock. They are to gather them as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. We refuse to be gathered and nurtured if we reject our leaders, if we mock and tear them down constantly through criticisms. If we persist in this attitude, Jesus may say to us: ‘You refused what I have provided. So be it!” What a terrible sentence!