Readings
I - Ex. 32: 7-11, 13-14
II - 1 Tim. 1: 12-17
III - Lk. 15: 1-32
GATHER WITH JESUS
In the first reading, God searches for his people through Moses when they were likely to be lost in their idol worship forgetting the God who liberated them and made a covenant with them that they are his people and he is their God. In the Gospel reading, through the three parables: the parable of the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost sheep, Jesus, the Son of God projects the love of Father for whom everyone is individually important. Jesus gathered everyone, the sinners, the beggars, the prostitutes, the tax collectors, the Samaritans and the Romans. Neither did he impute any guilt on the Scribes, the Pharisees, the elders and the chief priests individually though they were egoist, proud, self-righteous and accused people. Jesus came so that each of us have life and life in abundance (Jn. 10: 10). In the second reading St. Paul, thanks God for choosing him, though he was a blasphemer, persecutor and insolent opponent. The will of God for each one of is that we are saved for a life here with him and in the life to come.
Jesus was the absolute reflection of his Father’s love to whomever he met. We as Christians are called to reflect our loving Master Jesus Christ who loved everyone. We are through the three readings of the day are invited to sympathise with the weak and the suffering and commit to raise them up through our love, understanding and kindness; instead of mocking or jeering at them. Let us too strive our best to gather with Jesus and never disregard anyone. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to love everyone and never condemn anyone”.
