We live in a time where people are easily swayed by “influencers.” Repeatedly, we are bombarded with messages of the surest path to enlightenment, how to accumulate more wealth, the latest craze in weight loss, a new “style” that will set you apart and get you noticed, etc. We often jump on the latest bandwagon, expecting a panacea that will fill a void in our lives. We who have compulsive behaviors often choose substances and activities that are of great detriment to ourselves and those we love. We are continually seeking the seemingly illusive contentment of our yearnings. Today’s Responsorial Psalm offers a good anecdote to this type of seeking: “Let hearts rejoice who search the Lord.” It beautifully reminds us that we find great joy and rejoicing when we shift from seeking the things of this world to the Lord Himself.
As people on the road to recovery, we can find great hope in today’s Gospel and the Lord’s unwillingness to give up on us. The stories of the shepherd leaving the ninety-nine sheep to go after the lost one and the woman who cleans and inspects every crevice of her home looking for the lost coin remind us that God will never forsake us. Even if we stray from Him by seeking contentment in the things of the world, He continues to go to great lengths to draw us closer to Himself, the true and lasting source of contentment. And when He finds us, all of heaven’s angels rejoice! How comforting it is to be assured that God is continually wooing us and calling us to union with Him, no matter how unworthy we feel we may be!
Reflection Questions
- Why does Saint Paul seem to lessen the value of bodily expressions of piety? What forms of piety do you think are important to the Lord?
- Recall an occasion when you have followed an influencer or trend. Did you find satisfaction and joy from the experience? How does it compare to keeping your gaze “fixed” on Jesus?
Daily Mass Readings
First Reading: Philippians 3:3-8A
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 105:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
Gospel: Luke 15:1-10
Reflection by Kay P.