Ord. Wk 31st November 8, 2018

Reflection on the WORD

Compassion: In today’s Gospel, Jesus proclaims God’s Compassionate Love for sinners and the poor and marginalized of society.  Ponder on, “Do I give my special attention only to people I love, the rich, the wealthy and those who praise us?”  What is God’s Spirit saying to you and me here and now?

Lk 15:1-7

The tax collectors and sinners were all crowding round to listen to Jesus, and the Pharisees and scribes complained saying, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.’

      So he told them this parable: ‘Which one of you with a hundred sheep, if he lost one, would fail to leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the missing one till he found it? And when he found it, would he not joyfully take it on his shoulders and then, when he got home, call together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, I have found my sheep that was lost.” 

      ‘In the same way, I tell you, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner repenting than over ninety-nine upright people who have no need of repentance.’ 

Today's Pointers on God's Word

As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?

  • In today’s Gospel the scribes and Pharisees were scandalized by Jesus’ association with sinners who were drawn to Jesus and to hear Him speak about God’s mercy. 
  • Jesus tells a story about a lost sheep and the shepherd’s joy when he finds it. This reminds us that we too must persistently pray for and help those who have gone astray, to return to God.  
  • God welcomes repentant sinners. There is much rejoicing when a sinner returns to God. Likewise, we must never condemn them; instead help them to deepen their love for God.