The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to him, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
So to them he addressed this parable.
“What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost oned until he finds it? And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’
I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance. (Luke 15:1-7 NABRE)
Jesus welcomed sinners. He sought them out to have dinner with them. He finds us in our sinfulness. He seeks us out to bring us back into his company, to share a meal with us, to have a relationship with us.
And all of heaven celebrates when even one sinner turns back to Jesus. All of heaven is filled with joy when we accompany Jesus back, leave behind our distractions and chains, seek his friendship and protection.
Let us seek a few minutes of silence today. If you can, stop in a quiet place for just two minutes. And when you do, pray simply that God would bless you with a glancing awareness of his presence. Expect it. Be grateful for it. Accept it.
Today, on this Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I will pray for those whose faith is being tried today and for those who have given in to spiritual discouragement.
Saints Charles Lwanga and Companions, martyrs who remind us that when we remain courageous and unshakable in our faith during times of great moral and physical temptation, we live as Christ lived, pray for us.
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