Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.”

 

Gospel Reading Luke 15:3-7

 

Jesus addressed this parable to the Pharisees and scribes: "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."

 

Have you ever felt like you were all alone in the world and then someone came up and put their arms around you.  At that very moment, you are overwhelmed with joy and elation knowing that someone loves you and cares about you.  Today’s Gospel reading tells us to “Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.”  Jesus, in his earthly ministry, cared for and loved sinners. He sought out the sinners to bring them to God.  His apostles were not righteous men, yet they became the foundation of the Christian church.  Most of the people he met were “unclean” yet he still reached out to them to wash their feet.  These sinners were lost in the world and Jesus put his arms around them.  He embraced them with love and compassion.

 

A shepherd cares very much for their sheep.  If one was lost, the sheep’s life is in danger because sheep are a community creature needing the companionship of others.  We too are a community creature needing the love and compassion of others.  We cannot survive without the support of our neighbors.  At the end of the day, God counts all his sheep to see if we are there.  He is deeply saddened when one of his sheep drifts from the flock.  But what greater joy does He have when that lost sheep returns to the flock.  Every one of God’s sheep is valuable.  There are no useless sheep. God does not create bad things and therefore desires everyone of us to be members of his flock.  No one sheep is more valuable than the other.  He wants not only the righteous, but the unclean.  God wants us all to join him in the kingdom of heaven, not just Catholics, everyone.  As Catholics, we are not only called to pray for our own salvation, but for the salvation of everyone.  Even those who are considered the lowest of society. It is important that we pray for all sinners and all who have not met Jesus.  We should pray that they find a simple path to Jesus and to heaven.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, Let your light shine through me that others may see your truth and love and find hope and peace in you.

May I never doubt your love nor take for granted the mercy you have shown to me.

Fill me with your transforming love that I may be merciful as you are merciful."

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon