Thursday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 488
Lectionary: 488
Brothers and
sisters:
We are the circumcision,
we who worship through the Spirit of God,
who boast in Christ Jesus and do not put our confidence in flesh,
although I myself have grounds for confidence even in the flesh.
If anyone else thinks he can be confident in flesh, all the more can I.
Circumcised on the eighth day,
of the race of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin,
a Hebrew of Hebrew parentage,
in observance of the law a Pharisee,
in zeal I persecuted the Church,
in righteousness based on the law I was blameless.
But whatever gains I had,
these I have come to consider a loss because of Christ.
More than that, I even consider everything as a loss
because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.
We are the circumcision,
we who worship through the Spirit of God,
who boast in Christ Jesus and do not put our confidence in flesh,
although I myself have grounds for confidence even in the flesh.
If anyone else thinks he can be confident in flesh, all the more can I.
Circumcised on the eighth day,
of the race of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin,
a Hebrew of Hebrew parentage,
in observance of the law a Pharisee,
in zeal I persecuted the Church,
in righteousness based on the law I was blameless.
But whatever gains I had,
these I have come to consider a loss because of Christ.
More than that, I even consider everything as a loss
because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.
Responsorial Psalm PS 105:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
R. (3b) Let hearts rejoice who search for the
Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Sing to him, sing his praise,
proclaim all his wondrous deeds.
Glory in his holy name;
rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD!
R. Let hearts rejoice who search for the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Look to the LORD in his strength;
seek to serve him constantly.
Recall the wondrous deeds that he has wrought,
his portents, and the judgments he has uttered.
R. Let hearts rejoice who search for the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
You descendants of Abraham, his servants,
sons of Jacob, his chosen ones!
He, the LORD, is our God;
throughout the earth his judgments prevail.
R. Let hearts rejoice who search for the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Sing to him, sing his praise,
proclaim all his wondrous deeds.
Glory in his holy name;
rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD!
R. Let hearts rejoice who search for the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Look to the LORD in his strength;
seek to serve him constantly.
Recall the wondrous deeds that he has wrought,
his portents, and the judgments he has uttered.
R. Let hearts rejoice who search for the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
You descendants of Abraham, his servants,
sons of Jacob, his chosen ones!
He, the LORD, is our God;
throughout the earth his judgments prevail.
R. Let hearts rejoice who search for the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Gospel LK 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.”
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.”
Meditation: Sinners
were drawn to Jesus
Do you ever feel resentful or get upset when
someone else gets treated better than you think they deserve? The scribes and
Pharisees took great offense at Jesus because he went out of his way to meet
with sinners and he treated them like they were his friends. The Pharisees had
strict regulations about how they were to keep away from sinners, lest they
incur ritual defilement. They were not to entrust money to sinners or have any
business dealings with them, nor trust them with a secret, nor entrust orphans
to their care, nor accompany them on a journey, nor give their daughter in
marriage to any of their sons, nor invite them as guests or be their guests.
Do you judge others with mercy or disdain - with
kindness or harshness?
The Pharisees were shocked when they saw Jesus freely meeting with sinners and even going to their homes to eat with them. Many sinners and outcasts of society were drawn to Jesus to hear him speak about the mercy of God and the offer of new life and friendship in the kingdom of God. When the Pharisees began to question Jesus' motive and practice of associating with sinners and outcasts, Jesus responded by giving them two parables about a lost sheep and a lost coin to challenge their way of judging sinners and shunning contact with them.
The Pharisees were shocked when they saw Jesus freely meeting with sinners and even going to their homes to eat with them. Many sinners and outcasts of society were drawn to Jesus to hear him speak about the mercy of God and the offer of new life and friendship in the kingdom of God. When the Pharisees began to question Jesus' motive and practice of associating with sinners and outcasts, Jesus responded by giving them two parables about a lost sheep and a lost coin to challenge their way of judging sinners and shunning contact with them.
Finding and restoring what has been lost
What is the point of Jesus' story about a lost sheep and a lost coin? In Jesus' time shepherds normally counted their sheep at the end of the day to make sure all were accounted for. Since sheep by their very nature are very social, an isolated sheep can quickly become bewildered and even neurotic. The shepherd's grief and anxiety is turned to joy when he finds the lost sheep and restores it to the fold.
What is the point of Jesus' story about a lost sheep and a lost coin? In Jesus' time shepherds normally counted their sheep at the end of the day to make sure all were accounted for. Since sheep by their very nature are very social, an isolated sheep can quickly become bewildered and even neurotic. The shepherd's grief and anxiety is turned to joy when he finds the lost sheep and restores it to the fold.
The housewife who lost a coin faced something of
an economic disaster, since the value of the coin would be equivalent to her
husband's daily wage. What would she say to her husband when he returned home
from work? They were poor and would suffer greatly because of the loss. Her
grief and anxiety turn to joy when she finds the coin.
Bringing the lost to the community of faith
Both the shepherd and the housewife "search until what they have lost is found." Their persistence pays off. They both instinctively share their joy with the whole community. The poor are particularly good at sharing in one another's sorrows and joys. What was new in Jesus' teaching was the insistence that sinners must be sought out and not merely mourned for. God does not rejoice in the loss of anyone, but desires that all be saved and restored to fellowship with him. That is why the whole community of heaven rejoices when one sinner is found and restored to fellowship with God. Seekers of the lost are much needed today. Do you persistently pray and seek after those you know who have lost their way to God?
Both the shepherd and the housewife "search until what they have lost is found." Their persistence pays off. They both instinctively share their joy with the whole community. The poor are particularly good at sharing in one another's sorrows and joys. What was new in Jesus' teaching was the insistence that sinners must be sought out and not merely mourned for. God does not rejoice in the loss of anyone, but desires that all be saved and restored to fellowship with him. That is why the whole community of heaven rejoices when one sinner is found and restored to fellowship with God. Seekers of the lost are much needed today. Do you persistently pray and seek after those you know who have lost their way to God?
"Lord Jesus, let your light dispel the
darkness that what is lost may be found and restored. 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."
 Keeping the Right Company |
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November 6, 2014.
Thursday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
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Luke 15: 1-10
Now all the tax
collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees
and the scribes were grumbling and saying, "This fellow welcomes sinners
and eats with them." So he told them this parable: "Which one of
you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the
ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he
finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And
when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to
them, ´Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.´ Just so, I
tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than
over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. "Or what
woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a
lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has
found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ´Rejoice with
me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.´ Just so, I tell you, there is
joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Introductory
Prayer: Lord God, I believe that
you are present here for this moment of prayer. Even if I have not really
longed for this time together, I know that you have been waiting for me. As
an expression of my gratitude and love, I truly wish to give myself totally
to you during this meditation.
Petition: Lord, grant me greater zeal for the salvation of souls.
1. You Can Judge
a Man by the Company He Keeps: Our
Lord took a considerable amount of flak from the Pharisees for taking time to
get to know the less respectable crowd. In those days, “sinners” were
marginalized and treated with contempt. Today, attitudes have changed. Folks
that were considered sinners back then would now be mainstream; some of them
would probably even be celebrities. But one thing is still the same: People
still judge others by the company they keep. For better or worse, people are
judged by their associations. That brings up a good question. I am a
Catholic. I receive the Eucharist frequently. Jesus is spending a lot of time
with me. Would people be able to tell that I have been spending time with the
Lord? What would they think of Christ and his influence on me? Are the Lord’s
standards reflected in my life?
2. The 99 Safe
Sheep: Jesus’ description of
going out to get the sinner is truly consoling. Perhaps this brings up a
beautiful memory of how he came to my rescue, when I was one of the wooly
ones wandering far from the flock. But that’s now a changed scenario. I am in
the flock. How do I stay here and keep from wandering off? The Good Shepherd
gives us so many tools, but I need to use them. If I slacken in my prayer
life and participate with routine and lack of fervor in the sacraments, I may
find myself wondering what other pastures may be like. Let’s focus on being
faithful within the beautiful flock of the Church.
3. Fireworks in
Heaven: Returning to the thought
about people judging others based on the company they keep, we can easily see
why those judgments occur: People that spend time together often start to
become like each other, since they share many of the same interests. Jesus
reveals in the parable what his driving, passionate interest is: the
salvation of the individual soul. “There will be more joy in heaven over one
sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no
repentance.” The Lord is always looking to set off fireworks in heaven with
one more conversion. If I’m hanging around Jesus enough, I’m probably
starting to sound like him. If not, am I really spending as much time with
him as I think? Am I trying to bring back the lost sheep that I know?
Conversation with
Christ: Jesus, you lifted up the
sinners around you — so many of them became saints. Let me soak up the grace
of your divine influence so that I will truly reflect in my actions the
reality of your work in my soul. Grant me a little portion of the burning
desire you had to bring back the lost sheep.
Resolution: I will write a letter or email to a friend or relative
who has drifted away from the Church, hoping that even a little “hello” may
plant a positive seed.
By Father Steven
Reilly, LC
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, LUKE 15:1-10
(Philippians 3:3-8a; Psalm 105)
(Philippians 3:3-8a; Psalm 105)
KEY VERSE: "There will be great rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents" (v 10).
READING: The Pharisees and scribes charged Jesus with welcoming sinners and eating with them (Lk 15:2). The Pharisees refused to be the guests of such persons or to have them as guests, or, as far as possible, to have any business dealings with them. It was to these self-righteous leaders that Jesus directed his parables on the merciful love of God. The compassionate God was compared to a shepherd who hunted for his lost sheep and a woman who searched for her lost coin, and their joy in finding what was lost. These parables have been called "the gospel in the gospel" as they contain the very essence of the good news that Jesus came to preach. The joy of a homemaker or a shepherd who lost their most precious possessions and then found them again, is the joy of God and of all the angels when one sinner returns home,
REFLECTING: Do I avail myself of God's mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
PRAYING: Lord, Jesus thank you for forgiving me my sins and welcoming me back to the community.
Thursday 6 November 2014
Philippians 3:3-8. Let
hearts rejoice who search for the Lord—Ps 104(105):2-7. Luke 15:1-10.
We are all important to
God.
The tax collectors and the
sinners were drawn to Jesus. The Pharisees and the scribes there were annoyed.
They saw themselves as the most important people in the crowd.
They had already been with
Jesus and still expected the places of honour. Why did these other people come
along and why did Jesus turn to them?
This could be a scene from
a public gathering in our time. When a notable person is present at a function,
we often see people clambering to get in close. Perhaps they want to brag about
the event among their friends. Perhaps in their admiration of this well-known
person they see the possibility of receiving guidance through difficult times
from such a special person.
Jesus turned to the sinners
and tax collectors as he sensed their need. He will do the same for each of us
MINUTE MEDITATIONS
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A World of Hope
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An encounter with God opens a whole world for us. It is a world of
hope in the midst of chaos, a universe in which the power of mercy overwhelms
guilt and despair. It is an existence in which God is fully alive, and so are
we. Such is the grace of an encounter with the living God.
November
6
St. Nicholas Tavelic and Companions
(d. 1391)
St. Nicholas Tavelic and Companions
(d. 1391)
Nicholas and his three companions are among the 158 Franciscans
who have been martyred in the Holy Land since the friars became custodians of
the shrines in 1335.
Nicholas
was born in 1340 to a wealthy and noble family in Croatia. He joined the
Franciscans and was sent with Deodat of Rodez to preach in Bosnia. In 1384 they
volunteered for the Holy Land missions and were sent there. They looked after
the holy places, cared for the Christian pilgrims and studied Arabic.
In 1391
Nicholas, Deodat, Peter of Narbonne and Stephen of Cuneo decided to take a
direct approach to converting the Muslims. On November 11, 1391, they went to
the huge Mosque of Omar in Jerusalem and asked to see the Qadi (Muslim
official). Reading from a prepared statement, they said that all people must
accept the gospel of Jesus. When they were ordered to retract their statement,
they refused. After beatings and imprisonment, they were beheaded before a
large crowd.
Nicholas
and his companions were canonized in 1970. They are the only Franciscans
martyred in the Holy Land to be canonized.
Comment:
Francis presented two missionary approaches for his friars. Nicholas and his companions followed the first approach (live quietly and give witness to Christ) for several years. Then they felt called to take the second approach of preaching openly. Their Franciscan confreres in the Holy Land are still working by example to make Jesus better known.
Francis presented two missionary approaches for his friars. Nicholas and his companions followed the first approach (live quietly and give witness to Christ) for several years. Then they felt called to take the second approach of preaching openly. Their Franciscan confreres in the Holy Land are still working by example to make Jesus better known.
Quote:
In the Rule of 1221, Francis wrote that the friars going to the Saracens (Muslims) "can conduct themselves among them spiritually in two ways. One way is to avoid quarrels or disputes and 'be subject to every human creature for God's sake' (1 Peter 2:13), so bearing witness to the fact that they are Christians. Another way is to proclaim the word of God openly, when they see that is God's will, calling on their hearers to believe in God almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Creator of all, and in the Son, the Redeemer and Savior, that they may be baptized and become true and spiritual Christians" (Ch. 16).
In the Rule of 1221, Francis wrote that the friars going to the Saracens (Muslims) "can conduct themselves among them spiritually in two ways. One way is to avoid quarrels or disputes and 'be subject to every human creature for God's sake' (1 Peter 2:13), so bearing witness to the fact that they are Christians. Another way is to proclaim the word of God openly, when they see that is God's will, calling on their hearers to believe in God almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Creator of all, and in the Son, the Redeemer and Savior, that they may be baptized and become true and spiritual Christians" (Ch. 16).
LECTIO DIVINA:
LUKE 15,1-10
Lectio:
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Ordinary Time
1) Opening prayer
God of power and mercy,
only with your help
can we offer you fitting service and praise.
May we live the faith we profess
and trust your promise of eternal life.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
only with your help
can we offer you fitting service and praise.
May we live the faith we profess
and trust your promise of eternal life.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
2) Gospel reading - Luke 15,1-10
The tax collectors and sinners, however, were all crowding round
to listen to Jesus, and the Pharisees and scribes complained saying, 'This man
welcomes sinners and eats with them.'
So he told them this parable: 'Which one of you with a hundred sheep, if he lost one, would fail to leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the missing one till he found it? And when he found it, would he not joyfully take it on his shoulders and then, when he got home, call together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, "Rejoice with me, I have found my sheep that was lost."
In the same way, I tell you, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner repenting than over ninety-nine upright people who have no need of repentance.
'Or again, what woman with ten drachmas would not, if she lost one, light a lamp and sweep out the house and search thoroughly till she found it? And then, when she had found it, call together her friends and neighbours, saying to them, "Rejoice with me, I have found the drachma I lost."
In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing among the angels of God over one repentant sinner.'
So he told them this parable: 'Which one of you with a hundred sheep, if he lost one, would fail to leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the missing one till he found it? And when he found it, would he not joyfully take it on his shoulders and then, when he got home, call together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, "Rejoice with me, I have found my sheep that was lost."
In the same way, I tell you, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner repenting than over ninety-nine upright people who have no need of repentance.
'Or again, what woman with ten drachmas would not, if she lost one, light a lamp and sweep out the house and search thoroughly till she found it? And then, when she had found it, call together her friends and neighbours, saying to them, "Rejoice with me, I have found the drachma I lost."
In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing among the angels of God over one repentant sinner.'
3) Reflection
• The Gospel today presents the first one of three parables
united among themselves by one same word. It is a question of three things
which were lost: the lost sheep (Lk 15, 3-7), the lost drachma (Lk 15, 8-10),
and the lost son (Lk 15.11-32). The three parables are addressed to the
Pharisees and to the Doctors of the Law who criticized Jesus (Lk 15, 1-3). That
is, they are addressed to the Pharisee and to the Scribe or doctor of the Law
which is in each one of us.
• Luke 15, 1-3: Those to whom the parables are addressed. The first three verses describe the context in which the three parables were pronounced: “At that time, the tax collectors and sinners were all crowding round to listen to him. The Pharisees and Scribes complained”. On one side there were the tax collectors and the sinners; on the other the Pharisees and the Doctors of the Law. Luke speaks exaggerating somewhat: “The tax collectors and the sinners were all crowding round to listen to Jesus”. There was something in Jesus which attracted them. It is the word of Jesus which attracts them (cf. Is 50, 4). They want to listen to him. This is a sign that they do not feel condemned, but rather they feel accepted by him. The criticism of the Pharisees and the Scribes is the following: "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them!” When sending out the seventy-two disciples (Lk 10, 1-9), Jesus had ordered them to accept the excluded, the sick, the possessed (Mt 10, 8; Lk 10, 9) and to gather them for the banquet (Lk 10, 8).
• Luke 15, 4: The Parable of the lost sheep. The parable of the lost sheep begins with a question: “Which one of you with a hundred sheep, if he lost one, would fail to leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the missing one till he found it?” Before giving a response, Jesus must have looked around to see who was listening to him to see how they would have answered. The question is formulated in such a way that the response can only be a positive one: “Yes, he will go after the lost sheep!” And you, how would you answer? Would you leave the ninety-nine in the field to go and look for the only one which got lost? Who would do this? Probably, the majority would have answered: “Jesus, who among us? Nobody would do such an absurd thing. The proverb says: “Better one bird in the hand than one hundred flying around!”
• Luke 15, 5-7: Jesus interprets the parable of the lost sheep. Now, in the parable the shepherd does that which nobody would do: to leave everything and to go and look for the lost sheep. God alone can assume such an attitude! Jesus wants that we become aware, conscious of the Pharisee or the Scribe which is in each one of us, The Pharisees and the Scribes abandoned the sinners and excluded them. They would have never gone to look for the lost sheep. They would have allowed it to get lost in the desert. They preferred the ninety-nine. But Jesus places himself in the place of the sheep which got lost and, which in that context of the official religion, would fall into despair, without the hope of being accepted. Jesus makes them and us know: “If you feel that you are a lost sinner, remember that for God you are worth more than the other ninety-nine sheep. And in case that you are converted, know that there will be “greater joy in heaven for a sinner who is converted, than for ninety-nine just who do not need conversion”.
• Luke 15, 8-10: Parable of the lost drachma. The second Parable: "Or again, what woman with ten drachmas would not, if she lost one, light a lamp and sweep out the house and search thoroughly till she found it? And then, when she had found it, call together her friends and neighbours saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, I have found the drachma I lost. In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing among the angels of God over one repentant sinner’”. God rejoices with us. The angels rejoice with us. The parable serves to communicate hope to those who were threatened with despair because of the official religion. This message recalls what God tells us in the Book of the Prophet Isaiah: "Look, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands!” (Is 49, 16). “Since, I regard you as precious, since you are honoured and I love you!” (Is 43, 4).
• Luke 15, 1-3: Those to whom the parables are addressed. The first three verses describe the context in which the three parables were pronounced: “At that time, the tax collectors and sinners were all crowding round to listen to him. The Pharisees and Scribes complained”. On one side there were the tax collectors and the sinners; on the other the Pharisees and the Doctors of the Law. Luke speaks exaggerating somewhat: “The tax collectors and the sinners were all crowding round to listen to Jesus”. There was something in Jesus which attracted them. It is the word of Jesus which attracts them (cf. Is 50, 4). They want to listen to him. This is a sign that they do not feel condemned, but rather they feel accepted by him. The criticism of the Pharisees and the Scribes is the following: "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them!” When sending out the seventy-two disciples (Lk 10, 1-9), Jesus had ordered them to accept the excluded, the sick, the possessed (Mt 10, 8; Lk 10, 9) and to gather them for the banquet (Lk 10, 8).
• Luke 15, 4: The Parable of the lost sheep. The parable of the lost sheep begins with a question: “Which one of you with a hundred sheep, if he lost one, would fail to leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the missing one till he found it?” Before giving a response, Jesus must have looked around to see who was listening to him to see how they would have answered. The question is formulated in such a way that the response can only be a positive one: “Yes, he will go after the lost sheep!” And you, how would you answer? Would you leave the ninety-nine in the field to go and look for the only one which got lost? Who would do this? Probably, the majority would have answered: “Jesus, who among us? Nobody would do such an absurd thing. The proverb says: “Better one bird in the hand than one hundred flying around!”
• Luke 15, 5-7: Jesus interprets the parable of the lost sheep. Now, in the parable the shepherd does that which nobody would do: to leave everything and to go and look for the lost sheep. God alone can assume such an attitude! Jesus wants that we become aware, conscious of the Pharisee or the Scribe which is in each one of us, The Pharisees and the Scribes abandoned the sinners and excluded them. They would have never gone to look for the lost sheep. They would have allowed it to get lost in the desert. They preferred the ninety-nine. But Jesus places himself in the place of the sheep which got lost and, which in that context of the official religion, would fall into despair, without the hope of being accepted. Jesus makes them and us know: “If you feel that you are a lost sinner, remember that for God you are worth more than the other ninety-nine sheep. And in case that you are converted, know that there will be “greater joy in heaven for a sinner who is converted, than for ninety-nine just who do not need conversion”.
• Luke 15, 8-10: Parable of the lost drachma. The second Parable: "Or again, what woman with ten drachmas would not, if she lost one, light a lamp and sweep out the house and search thoroughly till she found it? And then, when she had found it, call together her friends and neighbours saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, I have found the drachma I lost. In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing among the angels of God over one repentant sinner’”. God rejoices with us. The angels rejoice with us. The parable serves to communicate hope to those who were threatened with despair because of the official religion. This message recalls what God tells us in the Book of the Prophet Isaiah: "Look, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands!” (Is 49, 16). “Since, I regard you as precious, since you are honoured and I love you!” (Is 43, 4).
4) Personal questions
• Would you go out to look for the lost sheep?
• Do you think that today the Church is faithful to this parable of Jesus?
• Do you think that today the Church is faithful to this parable of Jesus?
5) Concluding prayer
Seek Yahweh and his strength,
tirelessly seek his presence!
Remember the marvels he has done,
his wonders, the judgements he has spoken. (Ps 105,4-5)
tirelessly seek his presence!
Remember the marvels he has done,
his wonders, the judgements he has spoken. (Ps 105,4-5)
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