By Eldho Augustine csc –
Readings: Phil 3: 3-8a; Lk 15: 1-10
The parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin brings these questions to my mind: How many times have I gone away from God? What made me to come back to the mercy of God? I believe that at least once in our lifetime, we have felt that we are away from the love of God. God is merciful and his love for us is manifested through his son, Jesus. It is our nature to sin; but we always have opportunities to turn back to God in repentance.
God waits for the repentance of a sinner and he is ever ready to accept him/her. In life we fall, but we get up and walk. Our life never remains stagnant, we always move forward. From the gospel reading, Jesus reminds us that at times we fall into the temptations of this world. But Jesus, our shepherd is always ready to forgive our sins and accept us. Receiving the sacrament of reconciliation helps us to remain in the love of God. Another question that comes to mind is, what is our attitude towards others who, we consider, have gone away from the love of God?
As we experience the love and mercy of God, we are called to share that experience with the needy; by listening to them, being with them in their struggles, and extending our helping hand in whatever way possible.