Reflection on the Gospel of the Thursday In The Thirty-First Week In Ordinary Time |
Luke 15:1-10 |
“This man receives sinners and eats with them,” this was the accusation of the Pharisees with regards Jesus. And Jesus in fact welcomed and fellowshipped with untouchables, those ritually not clean, especially sinners, in fact Jesus inaugurated his minister by proclaiming, “repent, change your ways, come back.” His ministry was also especially aimed to the social outcasts and undesirables. And when these responded, like Zacchaeus, making a full 180 degree, there was , and also is in the present, rejoicing when one who is lost and gone astray returns back into God’s Kingdom. Jesus is always patient and waiting to bring us home. To bring the one lost, back into his vineyard and proclaim salvation over the person, tell everyone of the lost one’s return and rejoice with them.
Today’s parable speaks to us in many different ways, are we ready to change, are we ready to count the cost, are we ready to work in God’s mission to save the world. In the parable of the lost Sheep, Jesus leaves the 99 behind to search, find and bring the one lost sheep back into the kingdom, carrying it back on his shoulders. Similar to the lost coin, He rejoices with all those around, for he can proclaim salvation over the one who returns back. He is rejoicing for us, let’s believe this and work with our loving and merciful God, so he may pour his love and mercy in us and also to every one. For even the present residents of heaven, the angels rejoice over every sinner who repents.
Holy Spirit help us to accept and surrender to the Will of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, an d may His Kingdom come here on earth, as it is in heaven.
