Limitless

   

  Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

11 September 2022 

 

First Reading: Ex 32:7-11, 13-14

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 17, 19

Second Reading: 1 Tm 1:12-17

Gospel: Lk 15:1-32

 

Reflection

By: Grace Madrinan

 

"'Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you, in just the same wqy 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 15:7

Today's Gospel is a relief for a repentant sinner but would appear as an injustice to the ninety-nine righteous ones. Imagine being upright all your life for the sake of the Kingdom while the other one is lavishing to his worldly desires. Then in a blink of a change of heart, the sinner is welcomed with warm hugs and butterfly kisses.

I actually can relate to the older brother in today's Gospel. Like him, I do feel jealous when I see how much my Mama gets excited when my older brother pays her a visit or does something for her. It hurts a little because I did not see that kind of affection from her when we were together. Sometimes I think of going away so I can be missed too.

But the Gospel gave me the answer, "My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours (Luke 15:31)." Among the siblings, Mama has been with me for the longest time and I have enjoyed her care and motherly love all these years. It is a pity that my brothers have not experienced the kind of mother she is. And that short moment my Mama had with my brothers is the only time she has to express how much she loved him. How can I be so selfish to deprive him of that?!

I believe the Holy Spirir led me to these conclusions. God's love is limitless. Sin cannot separate us from God. He constantly seeks us. Like a parent who misses his child, God all the more longs for the one who is lost. We should not monopolize God's love, His love needs to be shared. Our prize for remaining in His love? Being with Him and experiencing His love for the rest of our lives.

Prayer

God, our Father, grant me a forgiving heart to welcome my erring brother the same way You welcome a repentant sinner. We thank You for Your generosity and unending love. Amen.