spurned us, or those who may appear “different from us”. These scripture pas-
sages remind us that God takes care of all his children, and everyone’s path to
the Lord is different. We are to “take care of our own-self” and not worry about
the thoughts or actions of those people we encounter. Think what a wonderful
world it would be, if everyone followed this kindergarten mantra.
In the Gospel, the Pharisees are upset that Jesus is dining with “sinners and tax
collectors”. The Bible is filled with stories of ‘sinners’ who have found their way
home to God. One such story is that of Rahab, a prostitute who helped Joshua’s
spies escape from Jericho. This was a “lost sheep” who ended up becoming an
important woman in the tribe of Joshua and directly involved in the genealogy of
Jesus. How fortunate we are that this “lost sheep” was found! In this story also,
Jesus is reminding us that we are all children of God, the ‘lost sheep’, the pros-
titute, the destitute, the tax collector. God doesn’t make mistakes, we all have a
purpose. Sometimes what our perception is of that purpose, finds us on a differ-
ent path than the one intended for us. Jesus is inviting us to find “lost sheep”
and to help them on their path home to God. As these sheep our led back to the
flock, the overwhelming sound of the “rejoicing of the Angels of God” would be
heard across heaven!
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father –Give us courage and perseverance to find your lost
sheep and bring them home to you. Give us acceptance of our path in life and
strength so that we accept all those we encounter on this path. Help us to see
all the good things in life and not to dwell on or allow the negative to overtake our
lives. We ask this through your son, Christ the Lord.
Amen
_____
Vicky Ryan
Parishioner
Mommy to Klea