Readings
I - Rom. 14: 7-12
II - Lk. 15: 1-10
GATHER WITH JESUS
All precious stones set in their place in a jewel, but one missing would matter much to the owner making him dismal and disappointed. What if one of many is missing while others are well set in their place? That one stone makes the jewel complete adding beauty and perfection. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He came to seek and save the lost; oil and bandage the wounded and gather all in to the sheepfold even at the cost of his own life. His care is for all the sheep while his concern is for that of the lost, the last and the least unlike the self-righteous shepherds of his time - the Scribes, the Pharisees, the Sadducees and the Priests. The presence of the Scribes and the Pharisees was stern, threatening, judging, imposing the impossibilities and humiliating especially to the sinners and the tax collectors. On the other hand, the presence of the righteous one, Jesus, the Son of God was encouraging, edifying, soothing, comforting, motivating, inspiring and above all welcoming. In short the presence of Jesus was one of gathering the scattered sheep of Israel.
In the light of the Gospel passage today, let us examine our presence amidst the people around us. Often times we do like the Scribes and the Pharisees, label, brand, neglect, ostracise and alienate people for various reasons and also grumble and speak ill of those who associate with them. We also forget our identity as Christians, the followers of Christ with the mission of gathering all into the Kingdom of God. Strive to become like Jesus, in attitude, presence, behaviours and gestures so as to gather with him all his sheep into the sheepfold. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like yours”.
