Season 11 concludes with Prof. Margaret Pfeil, including her long-time commitments of living at the local Catholic Worker community, advocating for peace, and seeking justice for all of God’s people.
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Today’s Daily Gospel Reflection
December 10, 2024
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.”
As a cradle Catholic, the story of the Good Shepherd is one I have heard since my early childhood. The image of Christ as the caring herdsman is an easy one to appreciate. But once grown, listening to this whole passage brought on the realization that it was not about me or any of us who were blessed enough to never lose our faith. In fact, the Scripture implies that, like the shepherd, God rejoices more in recovering those who are lost than in those of us who “did not stray.” It can be difficult not to take this personally and feel overlooked.
However, we must remember we are already receiving the blessings of following Christ. Why should we not wish this for others, especially for the conversion of those who have faced more struggles because they do not yet know Christ’s love?
As Christians, part of our vocation is to care for the “other.” It is no accident that a large part of Jesus’ ministry in the gospels is reaching out to those who are judged by society. We will soon be in the season of Christmas and will hear accounts of the nativity story, which includes many “others.” Mary and Joseph were poor, the shepherds were not admired for their profession, and the magi were not part of the chosen people of Israel; but these individuals were all prioritized in being primary witnesses of the miracle of God’s Incarnation as a human being.
The gospels compel us to have this same care for those who are outcasts or have not yet heard the Good News. God is the Good Shepherd, but specifically, our God is the God who has a preference for the lost sheep. Let us aspire to have that same preference.
Prayer
Good and gracious God, like the shepherd who sought out the lost sheep, you sought us out when we were lost to sin and doubt. For this we thank and glorify you. As we continue along the journey of life, we pray for the strength to follow you unreservedly, and if we do stray from the path, for the wisdom to recognize your voice when you come to carry us home. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord, Amen.
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EverydayHoliness
A PODCAST BY FAITH ND
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