What is your opinion?

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

Summary

In the two previous uses of the blog post title “What is your opinion?“, I wrote in the context of observing the lives of the particular Saints. The Memorial of Saint John of the Cross and the Memorial of Saint Ambrose. Jesus’ question is an invitation to dialog and healing.

How are we answering Jesus’ question, What is your opinion?

The answer is summarized. The day of the Lord is near; Behold, he comes to save us (Alleluia verse before the Gospel)

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 ninety-nine 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.” (MT 18:12-14).

Reflection

Is it our belief that if you lost one of 100 sheep that you would go in search of it and rejoice when you found it and returned the sheep to the flock?

Jesus says, In just the same way, he states by extrapolation, it is the will of your heavenly Father to find the lost sheep of humanity. Do you believe that?

Our gospel portion today is not presented as a personal challenge of moral behavior (although it clearly is) but in the framework of love.

Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God.
Speak to the heart of Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her service has ended, that her guilt is expiated (Isa 40:1-2a).

Israel, in particular, is the direct object of God’s love in the old testament reading and is expanded in the gospel of Matthew by Jesus to all persons by the symbolism of sheep immediately placed after the protection of children and before the return of wayward believers.

Everyone and anyone who is lost.

• Do you feel lost or abandoned? the Lord is actively looking for you!
• Have you lost or abandoned anyone? the Lord will help you find them.
• Have you lost your faith? the Lord is ready to restore.

Personal Reflection

I am alway reassured that no matter the mistake, the Lord is always finding us and rejoicing when he is hugging us.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120925.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry