Jesus said to his disciples: “What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes
Gospel Reading: Mt 18:12-14astray, 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.
GO GOIN SESEARCH OF THE STRAY
A good shepherd does not allow any one of his sheep to go astray. He has a staff that brings back to the fold the sheep that may veer away. His voice also helps to keep the sheep within the fold. If the shepherd does not use his voice and staff, many of his sheep will go astray. The shepherd must make his presence felt always. When the shepherd looks for the lost sheep, he first secures the ninety-nine. He does not leave them alone in the open just like that or something worse may happen. A biblical scholar once said that if the shepherd loses one sheep, he stands to lose all, for he may be removed from his job. It is understandable that when he finds the lost sheep, he rejoices and celebrates because he will retain his job. He proves to be a trusted steward. Like the shepherd, we should understand the will of the Father. His will is not to lose any of his flock, even the least ones. We should diligently and faithfully do the Father’s will. It is unfortunate if we do not take the effort to bring back the lost members of our community and nurture them with the Word of God and the Eucharist.
Do you seek the lost members of the Church or those who have become complacent with their faith?
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SOURCE: “366 Days with the Lord 2016,” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.