Greetings on this the Thursday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: PHIL 3:3-8A; PS 105:2-3, 4-5, 6-7; LK 15:1-10
Think Again Video
Here is an uplifting video I saw on FaceBook in regard to our neighbors and friends. Please watch (you’ll need to have a FB account).
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CVc9qqzWN
A wonderful story, yes? These collective memories are the source of encouragement. It’s so interesting how we can misjudge the situation we find ourselves in and persons we meet or work with. Maybe even a little unfair? Yet even as we speak about our encounters, the possibility of truth has a chance to be revealed. In this video, the Dad and his son received a precious gift of the interior good spirit of the cowboy, mechanic, store owner and their families. And, for the Dad, it revealed his most hidden hope and dashed in moments his greatest fears. The son some fifty years later recalls this as a great moment in his life (and the bestest meal ever) and his reasons to have hope today.
Summary
“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
This observation was meant to criticize, to ridicule and to condemn.
Two sets of persons heard the accusation.
- The tax collectors and sinners who were all drawing near to listen to Jesus in hope.
- The Pharisees and scribes who in their heart wanted to complain.
Jesus offers them a surprising reflection to see their own goodness when in given similar situations where no doubt they would have done the same. For the tax collectors and sinners, the realization they are worthy of being found and cared for and loved.
- Go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, rejoice with everyone.
- Search for lost coin with lighted lamp and sweep the house searching carefully until she finds it? Rejoice with everyone.
In just the same way, I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents.
Jesus is referring to both sets of persons because we all need to repent. By asking them about their own goodness they can find their own greater self.
Reflection
The gospel encounter with Jesus today reinforces the understanding of the wonderful loving care we receive for the Lord. How he seeks us out, sweeps the floor, looks under beds and rocks, looking for us. His purpose it to share JOY. Rejoice means ‘to cause to joy‘.
We received this Parable of the Lost Sheep and the Parable of the Lost Coin as ramp up to the third parable, the Parable of the Lost Son (just outside of the readings today).
Without the doubt in their heart, there are no stories to share. Expressing the doubt opens the heart to the truth.
Personal Reflection
“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Welcome, sit, eat, discuss and rejoice. Even an accusation is a door to truth.
Sacred Readings
Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110724.cfm
First Reading
More than that, I even consider everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.
Responsorial
Let hearts rejoice who search for the Lord.
Gospel Acclamation (see MT 11:28)
Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest, says the Lord.
Gospel
“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
In just the same way, I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry