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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.
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.
A PODCAST BY FAITH ND
Prof. Margaret Pfeil
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.
Fr. Lou DelFra, CSC
Fr. Lou DelFra, CSC, shares the moments that eventually led him to a vocation in religious life and priesthood, along with a specific ministry of forming aspiring Catholic teachers.
Avis Boyd
We continue this season with Avis Boyd, a longtime volunteer and alumna of Notre Dame, as she shares her perspective on moving through life with purpose, conviction, and a deep faith, even in the face of adversity.
Tim and Lindsay Will
Meet Tim and Lindsay Will, two graduates of the Alliance for Catholic Education program, who help us contemplate the meaning of loss, love, and the family ties that bind us to one another.
Dr. Andrew McShane
Hear the story of Dr. Andrew McShane, Director of the Notre Dame Liturgical Choir, as he reflects on a vocation that took shape over time through beautiful music, unexpected loss, and the lasting example of others.
Nan Tulchinsky
Sit courtside with Nan Tulchinsky, a longtime scorekeeper for Notre Dame Women’s and Men’s Basketball, as she shares stories of her remarkable life of dedication to her family, local community, and Catholic faith.
Bishop Bob Lombardo, CFR
We begin a new season with Bishop Bob Lombardo, CFR, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago, as he shares his path towards religious life and priesthood, co-founding a new expression of Franciscan life, and the unexpected calling of a new ministry.
Veronica Alonzo
We complete this season by speaking with Veronica Alonzo, Associate Superintendent for the Dallas Catholic Schools, about discovering meaning in personal loss, her vocation as an educator, and perspectives on Catholic education.
Dr. Jim O’Connell
Walk the streets of Boston with Dr. Jim O’Connell as he describes his long path to a medical career and the surprising, longstanding vocation of serving others through the Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program.
Lisa Orchen
Lisa Orchen details her calling to ministry in the Church and how that has changed over the years as the demands of life have shifted, always requiring continual discernment of God’s will.
Jessica Mannen Kimmet
Explore the themes of motherhood with Jessica Mannen Kimmet, a musician and author, who has written a book with the intention of helping mothers who are experiencing similar crosses to ones she has carried.
Fr. Bill Lies, CSC
Journey with Fr. Bill Lies, CSC, Provincial Superior of the U.S. Province of Priests and Brothers for the Congregation of Holy Cross, as he offers stories of his family, vocational call, and perspective from various leadership positions.
Jeremy and Molly Aranda
Meet Molly and Jeremy Aranda, a married couple who describe the many ups and downs of life, including challenging pregnancies, financial strain, and sickness, all while striving to remain faithful to God’s calling in their lives.
Patrick Garry
Patrick Garry, author of The Power of Gratitude, shares the stories and the lifelong lessons of his parents, Michael and Elizabeth Garry, whose lives were marked by sacrifice for others and giving thanks in all circumstances.
Lisa Hendey
We conclude this season with Lisa Hendey, founder of Catholicmom.com, as she describes her spiritual journey, which has included being a wife and mother, a Catholic writer and content producer, and recently, someone bearing the cross of breast cancer.
Alex Jones
Alex Jones, co-founder and CEO of Hallow, shares the inspiring story of the struggle and growth of his spiritual life, eventually leading to the creation of one of the most well-utilized Catholic apps in the world today.
Meghann Kirzeder
Hear the perspective of Meghann Kirzeder, a wife, mother, and musician, whose life has taken some unexpected turns as she cares for her beautiful children, including three with significant special needs.
Fr. Nate Wills, CSC
Grab a sideline view with Fr. Nate Wills, CSC, as he provides a glimpse into his life as a religious priest, a Catholic educator and researcher, and the chaplain to the Notre Dame Football team.
Josh and Stacey Noem
Reflect back on 25 years of marriage with Josh and Stacey Noem, two Notre Dame graduates who have lived their vows through children, career changes, and the daily decisions that constitute a life of love together.
Sr. Gregory Healy, OSB
Journey with Sr. Gregory Healy, OSB, a Benedictine nun who has discovered God’s calling in life through the beauty of music, the wonder of creation, and the holy example of others.
Cardinal Patrick D’Rozario, CSC
Cardinal Patrick D’Rozario, CSC begins season 9 as he tells us about his life as a religious priest, bishop, and cardinal. He also shares details of the holy life of Servant of God Theotonius Ganguly, CSC, who could be the first Notre Dame graduate canonized a Catholic saint.
Sister Michaela Martinez, OP
For our final episode this season, we listen to Sister Michaela Martinez, OP, as she reflects on her call to religious life, God’s fidelity to her, and how she finds joy in all things.
Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers
Hear the stories of Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers ’88, a well-known Catholic speaker, author, and evangelist, who offers his perspective on discernment, forgiveness, prayer, and trusting in God’s plan.
Dr. John Cavadini
Dr. John Cavadini shares some of the hidden aspects of his vocation as a husband, father, and teacher, encouraging us to seek holiness in the ordinary, seemingly unremarkable moments of our lives.
We welcome you to submit your prayers for yourself and others. A volunteer will offer them on your behalf at the Grotto, where a candle representing all prayer requests remains perpetually lit.
Daily Gospel Reflection
Receive each day’s gospel reading and a short reflection written by a unique member of the Notre Dame family, along with a prayer composed by a Holy Cross priest and a link to learn more about the featured Saint of the Day — right in your inbox!
This Advent, join the Notre Dame family of faith as we ready our hearts and prayerfully reflect on where we find the sacred at work.
