+(Intro) Our intention this morning is for religious vocations. We will hear St Paul telling us that “whatever gains I had, these I have come to consider a loss because of Christ.” As we prepare for this celebration, let us be mindful of where we may fail to consider all as lost because of our knowledge of Christ.
(After the gospel) Jesus telling us the parable of lost sheep because the Pharisees and scribes complained because he welcomed sinners and ate with them, is a divine call to all of us. It is a call to be loving in all our own contacts with our brothers and sisters and if we do, will this not be a great incentive to new vocations to the religious life?
As I read this parable I found myself challenged when Jesus says “there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.” Is Jesus saying there is no need to be good or righteous in our everyday lives? Pondering this, I see Jesus warning us against any form or self-righteousness so as to realize like St Paul that it is only in knowing Christ Jesus our Lord, responding to his presence in our hearts that enables us to be pleasing to God in our everyday lives. Doing so, we can cause rejoicing among the angels of God all day long.
Phil 3:3-8a; Luke 15:1-10