The Life and death of each of us has it influence on others

DAILY SRom. 14:7-12, Lk. 15:1-10. Let us imagine how the lost-and-found sheep would have felt about the master’s effort to risk the ninety-nine obedient sheep and to go in search of one, if the sheep had the reasoning to do so. How would the lost-and-found coin, also would have felt, if it had the consciousness to do so, at the woman’s panicky search for it and, having found it, celebrating wildly with her friends and neighbours? We could imagine that the sheep and the coin would have felt very special. We could believe that they would have loved their owners over and above life and death. We could presume that they would have vowed never to play trance again. Today's Gospel tells us that the tax collectors and sinners were milling around Jesus, eager to hear Him and be with Him, despite the frowns and much to the dismay of the Pharisees and the Scribes. A world where everyone looked at them with contempt, Jesus alone loved them beyond measure. They felt special, like the sheep and the coin.

If we have ever felt this 'singularly special' care and love of Christ, we are challenged to respond, appreciate and replicate it. We could replicate it, like the shepherd cares for those outside the margins, whom He came to find. Like Jesus, we need to search for people who need Him in their life, for He alone can satisfy the deepest longings in our hearts. God seeks us out because we are lost in different ways. Our search for God is a response to God’s search for us. In the words of Paul in today's first reading: "The life and death of each of us has its influence on others." Let our life be a positive and transformative influence on the people around us, rather than being a judge. Instead of judging and being condescending to others or comparing our sins and worthiness, we should instead focus on helping one another to live virtuously and righteously in accordance with God’s will.

May the Lord grant us His mercy and salvation so that we may experience the surpassing knowledge of our God! Amen!! Good morning and have a wonderful day!!!