GOSPEL

Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So to them he addressed this parable. “What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it? And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbours and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance. “Or what woman having ten coins and losing one would not light a lamp and sweep the house, searching carefully until she finds it? And when she does find it, she calls together her friends and neighbours and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found the coin that I lost.’ In just the same way, I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Then he said, “A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father, ‘Father give me the share of your estate that should come to me.’ So the father divided the property between them. After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation. When he had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need. So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine. And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any. Coming to his senses he thought, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”’ So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ But his father ordered his servants, ‘Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.’ Then the celebration began.

Now the older son had been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing. He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean. The servant said to him, ‘Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ He became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him. He said to his father in reply, ‘Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders; yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends. But when your son returns, who swallowed up your property with prostitutes, for him you slaughter the fattened calf.’

He said to him, ‘My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ Luke 15: 1-32

REFLECTION

Today’s readings give us insight as to how we, as Catholics, can deal with disappointment.

The reading from Timothy – a sinner whose behaviour was unacceptable but, in the end, mercifully forgiven – echoes this, as well.

I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and arrogant, but I have been mercifully treated because I acted out of ignorance in my unbelief.

Indeed, the grace of our Lord has been abundant, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Of these I am the foremost. But for that reason I was mercifully treated, so that in me, as the foremost, Christ Jesus might display all his patience as an example for those who would come to believe in him for everlasting life.

Rare among us is the person who does not have to deal with disappointment daily. Disappointment comes in many forms, and there are a myriad of reasons why it impacts our lives. Maybe the disappointment is as minor as your favourite team not winning a close game, or as major as your long-awaited vacation plans requiring adjustment, due to health concerns.

How we react to disappointment, big and small, is just as varied. For some of us, disappointment turns quickly to anger that we cannot control; while for others, they can quickly put it behind them and focus instead on the bigger picture.

As Catholics, who strive each day to be more Christ-like in how we live our lives and how we present ourselves to those we love, work with, and meet as total strangers, which is the better course to follow?

Patience and understanding are key, but how we get to that point probably requires much prayer on our part. As the passages illustrate so well, God is used to disappointment. He knows our imperfections and weaknesses will be frustrating, but he so readily forgives those who reach out and ask for his continued love and blessing.

Today, should disappointment darken your door and frustration, anger, or even hatred creep into your mind, strive to be more Christ-like in your response. Pray that like Timothy, we, too, may be merciful in our treatment of others and abundant in grace, so that our faith and love in Jesus Christ is displayed through our patience and understanding, all of which is proof positive that Christ lives in us and we in him.

Julie Leonard

Religious Education Leader

Wellbeing Leader