He Needs Me!

Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent
Readings: Is 40:1-11; Ps 96:1-2, 3 and 10ac, 11-12, 13; Mt 18:12-14

Summary

It is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.

For me one of the most important things Jesus said. Ever.

Jesus said to his disciples: “What is your opinion?

Jesus tested the disciples. What is in your heart? Answer the question honestly he is asking AND be open to a change of heart that comes from the honest answer. Truth (even when less than flattering) is most profitable.

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 does, why does he?

And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray.
This suggests beyond a material and financial relief and invokes the deeper relational affection of Shepherd and sheep. If one is lost the shepherd’s soul cries out HE NEEDS ME as the interior impetus. This interior movement is free from advantage, alliance and acquisition. It is the movement of truth.

Reflection

“Ideology is a simplification that kills reality, it kills thought, it kills community. They flatten everything to a single idea, which they then repeat obsessively and superficially, like parrots.” Reference: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-12/pope-to-theologians-ideology-kills-reality.html

The Pope’s comments are in context of the need to revitalize theology and theological insights. The heart of a theologian should ring out HE NEEDS ME!

In this regard, plans are under way for outstanding interdisciplinary centres and initiatives aimed at accompanying the development of advanced technologies, the best use of human resources and programmes of integration. Ecclesiastical studies, in the spirit of a Church that “goes forth”, are likewise called to develop specialized centers capable of deeper dialogue with the different scientific fields. Specifically, shared and converging research between specialists of different disciplines represents a particular service to the people of God, and especially to the Magisterium. It also supports the Church’s mission of proclaiming the good news of Christ to all, in dialogue with the different sciences and in the service of a deeper understanding and application of truth in the life of individuals and society.

Source: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_constitutions/documents/papa-francesco_costituzione-ap_20171208_veritatis-gaudium.html

Personal Reflection

So many themes running through my head today. The news from the Vatican is so uplifting in terms of the realistic challenges and need to refactor our thinking and communications. I chose this theme for today’s gospel reflection above. Perhaps this statement of Jesus should be required as part of the opening prayer of any and all discussions, decisions, meetings, programs, and planning.

It is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.

• Who is hidden from view?
• Do they hide by fear of us?
• Are they hidden because of our Myopia?
• Who have we forgotten?
• Who (gulp) is deliberately omitted from the Holy Presence?

Personal Notes on the Day Yesterday

Yesterday was a beautiful day in celebration of the Blessed Mother at Saint Mark’s assisting a 95 y/o priest celebrate the Mass and his life’s reflection on the aid of the Holy Mother. Then over to the VAMC for ad orientem Mass and veneration of a relic from The Holy House of Loreto (today’s optional memorial). Wednesday, the funeral mass for a decorated veteran at Our Lady, Queen of the Apostles with internment at the South Florida National Cemetery.

If Advent is a period of preparation and anticipation of the Lord then these days have been a living out of His Presence in a particular way. My entire diaconate has been to assist people in Transition. From drugs to sobriety, from PTSD to a healthy calm, from broken marriages to a new beginning, from active ministry to less active ministry, and from life in the body to rebirth in heaven.

When Jesus comes, I will be put out of work 🙂 Maranatha Lord!

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121024.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry