Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 15:1-10

 

The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”  So Jesus addressed this parable to them. “What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it? And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’  I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.  “Or what woman having ten coins and losing one would not light a lamp and sweep the house, searching carefully until she finds it? And when she does find it, she calls together her friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found the coin that I lost.’  In just the same way, I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

 

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us the story of the lost sheep. The Gospel reading starts out with two very different groups – the righteous and the not so righteous.  The Pharisees and the scribes (the righteous group) were whispering, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” The Pharisee and the scribes were not happy with him fraternizing with “sinners.” But Jesus’ acceptance of these open sinners shows the deepness of his love and the ultimate purpose of mission on earth. He didn’t come to save the righteous, but to save the lowly. Christ reached out to those who needed him most. His mission was to bring these sinners back into His fold. Many of these people thought they we not worthy, but Christ’s message was one of forgiveness and acceptance. Christ wants all of us. It does not matter how serious the sin, Christ will always accept you back into his fold. He tells them that if a shepherd with 100 sheep looses one, would he not leave the other 99 to get the one which is lost. When you lose something and have to search frantically, do you not rejoice when you finally find it. That’s how God feels when we finally realize that our sins are wrong and we come to God for forgiveness and salvation. Gods tell his angels, “Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.” Jesus told his disciples, “I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.” We are all sinners, but we are not all good repenters. As sinners, we are drawn to Christ because of his mercy and kindness. When we repent, Christ wraps his arms around us to give us that consoling warmth of his forgiving love. Christ wants all his sheep in heaven. There is not one sheep He will not fight for. He does not want us out wandering lost in the wilderness. Seek Christ and his forgiveness. Seek the Eucharist for it is the bread of life and our salvation. Seek reconciliation for it is truly a celebration with God. No matter what you have done, no matter what sin you have committed, Christ will be there to receive you with open arms and he will celebrate your return with joyous music.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Christ, you are the light of my salvation.

You lead me to the truth and the way.

Forgive me of my transgressions which are many

Because I want to be in the protection of your arms.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon