 |
| “The Lost Sheep” by William James Webb, 1864 |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Romans 14:7-12
Commentary on Rom 14:7-12
CCC: Rom 12-15 1454, 1971; Rom 14 1971; Rom 14:7 953; Rom 14:9 668
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27:1bcde, 4, 13-14
R. (13) I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.
Commentary on Ps 27:1bcde, 4, 13-14
Psalm 27 is an individual lament. Here the signer expresses faith in God who is the refuge of the faithful, longing to find the ultimate safety and bounty of God’s heavenly kingdom. The selection, commonly used at vigils for the deceased, rejoices in the prize awaiting the faithful.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gospel: Luke 15:1-10
Commentary on Lk 15:1-10
Jesus uses the criticism by the Scribes and Pharisees as a teaching moment. He uses parables to announce God’s infinite mercy; driving the point home that God rejoices in the return of those who have turned their backs to him in sin. The two parables (the Parable of the Lost Sheep and the Parable of the Lost Coin) show clearly the Lord’s love for all people and special joy in those who repent. These two are followed immediately by the parable of the Prodigal Son that emphasizes this point further.
A principal difference between St. Luke’s rendition of the Parable of the Lost Sheep and that of St. Matthew (Matthew 18:12-14) is St. Matthew emphasizes (to the Apostles) the seeking while St. Luke emphasizes (to the Pharisees) the joy of finding. This emphasis is graphically depicted as the author writes “And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy.” As St. Gregory the Great comments “He put the sheep on his shoulders because in taking on human nature he burdened himself with our sins” (In Evangelia homiliae, 2, 14)[4]
CCC: Lk 15 1443, 1846; Lk 15:1-2 589; Lk 15:7 545
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reflection:
As we consider the great mercy of God that comes out clearly in St. Luke’s account of the parables of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin, we cannot help but consider those who do not wish to be found. For the fervent believer in Christ, there is no more troubling situation than to have someone we love (we speak here of familial love for a parent, a sibling, or a child) who rejects the Lord completely. It is common to hear a person in this situation ask the question; “What about my Father? He never believed or even wanted to believe.” The question is asked especially during this season when we consider those who have gone before us in faith.
Does a person who hears the word of God and rejects it earn everlasting torment in Hell, even if they lead an otherwise blameless life? The answer to that question is hidden from us. We do not know. We could speculate that a merciful God would, as the spirit transitions from this life to the next offer one more chance to embrace the Lamb of God, but we do not know. Our only consolation is that our prayers for such people will help. Our witness to the One True God may be seen as the invitation always extended to our loved ones.
As we ponder this question it is apt that we hear the words of St. Paul ringing in the background; “Why then do you judge your brother or sister?” The Evangelist reminds us that we are not to judge; only the Great Judge has authority to do that. We are relieved of any responsibility but to love those with whom we interact. Although it was completely misinterpreted by the secular press, Pope Francis used this same principle when asked if he condemned a person for being in a homosexual relationship; he famously said “Who am I to judge?” We are called to act as children of God who love him above all else and trust in his kindness and mercy.
Pax
[2] The picture is “The Lost Sheep” by William James Webb, 1864
[4] The Navarre Bible, Gospels and Acts, Scepter Publishers, Princeton , NJ
No comments:
Post a Comment