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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider In search of the stray

In search of the stray

Published Dec 9, 2024 04:02 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY

Gird your loins

Today’s readings focus on the comforting presence of the shepherd. 


The First Reading features the beginning of Isaiah’s “Book of Consolation,” addressed to the Jewish exiles in Babylon. 


The exile in Babylon, which is the expiation of the sins of the Jews, is about to end. 


God will visit His people and lead them back to the Promised Land. He is like a shepherd leading His flock to a safe and verdant pasture and caring for the ewes and the wounded.  The Gospel parable of the Lost Sheep heightens Jesus’ care for the flock which the Father has entrusted to Him. 


He pays attention to those who stray and get lost; He has come to call sinners. He sets the example of a shepherd who leaves the rest of the flock (in the care of other companion shepherds) to search for the stray. 


And what joy He feels in finding this one sheep! For Jesus, the Good Shepherd, everyone is special. We might be just one among so many, but we are no mere number; each one has a special place in the Lord’s heart. 


Pope Francis says, “This icon (of the Good Shepherd with the lost lamb on his shoulders) has always been an expression of Jesus’ care for sinners and of the mercy of God who never resigns Himself to the loss of anyone.  The parable is told to make us understand that His closeness to sinners should never scandalize us, but on the contrary, it should call us to serious reflection on how we live our faith” (General Audience, May 4, 2016).
 

Gospel • Matthew 18:12-14 


Jesus said to his disciples: “What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? 


And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the 99 that did not stray. In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.”


Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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