Gospel: Mt 18: 12-14
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.”
RECTIFYING THE ESTRANGED RELATIONSHIP: The teachings from the parable of the lost sheep are beneficial for our family and social life. Parents have the responsibility to see that children are not strayed in the electronic and social media, disordered sex and consumerism. Children require daily accompaniment. Similarly, those in moral authority have the responsibility to guide the people who are entrusted to their care. The parable can be compared to the ninety-nine friends and one detractor. The pain experienced from an opponent, outweighs the joy coming from ninety-nine friends. Jesus assures that ninety-nine good people will not leave us. It is important for our happiness to go in looking for one person who is not in good relationship with God. When reconciliation is accomplished there will be great joy and fulfillment.
PRAYER: Lord, give me the grace to rectify my relationship today.
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GOD WITH A BIG HEART: Isaiah weaves the image of God, a comforting Shepherd (Is.40: 11). He conjures up a dawn, where there is no more fear and uncertainty. God of might, God most capable yet with the sensitivity and care typical of a shepherd is at His Act. He feeds; he fondles the little ones and gently leads ahead. The ideal shepherd leaves aside the ninety-nine and goes after the single. Today’s world presents a different picture. Coldness towards God, indifference to the church and religious values and being buried neck deep in the glitter and glamour of a senseless society. So it is no more the single lost. But the majority found on the slippery slope of degradation. You are invited to play the shepherd. Let us take up the challenge and turn over a new leaf.
DAILY GOSPEL 