Speak to the heart of Jerusalem and call to her that her time of service is ended

Speak to the heart of Jerusalem and call to her that her time of service is ended

By REV. FR. SAMUEL FREDERICK

Ish 40:1-11, Mt. 18:12-14. Today's first reading presents a consoling message to people who have lost their hope of survival due to their present circumstances. The Prophet Isaiah restores the hope of the wearied people of God in exile: "Speak to the heart of Jerusalem and call to her that her time of service is ended, that her sin is atoned for..." For the same reason, God sent His only begotten Son as the Messiah who would not only restore peace, but would also care for His people with love and compassion. Today's Gospel explains better the compassion of God for His people through the parable of the lost sheep. One can understand the good shepherd’s love for the lost one. How about the safety of the ninety-nine? Why does he abandon them? In truth, the good shepherd does not abandon the ninety-nine because there is no loss of love for them either.

The clue lies in where he leaves the ninety-nine before going after the lost one, he leaves them on the hillside. On the mountain of the Lord, everyone is safe. No one preys on the other. There is enough food and drink for all. The ninety-nine are in the safest place. On the hillside, they are under the watchful gaze of the Father. God loves the sinner and the just as well. No amount of good works will make God love us more and no amount of sins will make God love us less, because He loves everyone to the extreme, even to the point of descending to the abode of the dead, as the Creed tells us. Today, we are challenged to appreciate and replicate the compassion of the Lord and follow His path. Jesus assures us that He will not rest until He finds and leads us home to God. He is the Good Shepherd who in compassion and love laid down His life for us.

May the Lord help us to set our hearts on the Good Shepherd and transfigure our beings with the hope of future glory! Amen!! Good morning and have a glorious day!!!

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