Thursday of Week 31 in Ordinary Time
Phi 3:3-8
Lk 15:1-10
“‘Rejoice with me…I have found my sheep that was lost’…’Rejoice with me… I have found the drachma I lost. In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing among the angels of God over one repentant sinner.“
Today’s gospel is well-known as an illustration of the relentless pursuit of that one lost sheep, that one persistent sinner, and the rejoicing that comes after their return, because the Father has never stopped loving us no matter how much we stray from Him. The verses following today’s gospel are about the prodigal son, i.e. the forgiving father, which mentions the father spotting his wayward son from afar, suggesting that he had always been keeping an eye out for him, and could always recognise him despite the changes in his appearance. These parables all speak of the immense love of the one searching, the stubborn effort that goes into scouring all the hidden corners, and the great joy when the lost was found.
It is easy to understand these parables and to imagine the joy of having someone you thought lost returning to the fold. However, the reality of this is a little more complicated. While the parables are showing us what should be, the truth is that sometimes in our pursuit of the lost ones, we end up forgetting our love and charity, and end up simply attempting to control that lost one into complying with our orders, which we justify as being God’s command. We can easily fall into the trap of thinking ourselves morally superior to them and treat them with disdain, not unlike how the prideful Pharisees behaved. Is there any true rejoicing at their return, assuming they do return after all the condemnation aimed at them?
Truth and charity need to go hand in hand. Without charity, truth is just harsh criticism meant for increasing your sense of self righteousness than for the good of the other. Similarly, charity without truth is permissiveness and does no one any favours, as they are allowed to continue down the wrong path just so you can remain likeable. In our desire to adhere to Truth, we must always remember to show Love to our fellow children of God. I recall one confession that I made where what the priest said really struck me and stuck with me. After confessing my sins, even before addressing them, Father thanked me for coming to confession. At this moment, it was clear that he saw the person before the sins, and he loved the person as God loves us. He was rejoicing at my being in the confessional, before anything else. No judgement, only Love. And yes, there was the usual advice and penance but, Love first. In fairness, all the confessions I have made were good in the sense that the priests have all been charitable while firm, but this one priest made it really obvious.
Charitable priests are such a gift from God. Much like the saints who did not shy away from pointing out errors or correcting bishops, they turn us toward the truth, but also make us feel God’s love at the same time. In my opinion, it takes a massive amount of humility to be able to channel God’s love and peace along with His truth, especially to those who have turned their backs on God, and to those who have hurt us. It is instinctive to feel resentment, disdain, or disapproval because of our pride, and I have seen too many people filled with too much pride, trying to tell me how I am wrong and how they are right. And I guess I myself have also been that person sometimes.
As Christians, we are called to spread the Good News, and to spread God’s Truth. People turn away and go astray, and we are also called to bring them back. We bring them back to the fold because living in God’s Truth means eternal life with Him, and we want that for ourselves and others, because that is what God wants for all of his children — not just the perfect ones. It is certainly not easy balancing truth and charity, and at times, people can be trying, and our patience can run out. How then can we make sure we are upholding both? One approach that may help is to ask yourself if you are doing this for your own ego, to prove that you are right. Then, ask yourself if you can show a little bit of humanity and kindness before jumping right into teaching them a lesson. What does it cost us to practice some patience and self sacrifice? What does it cost us to have some humility? It costs us very little to nothing at all. On the flip side, insisting on our being right and wanting to impose power and control costs us a lot more: we lose sight of the persons behind their transgressions, and we sink deeper into hubris and pride. This can cost us Eternal Life.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, let us try this week to hold back on our self righteousness a little bit. Speak less, like St Joseph. Serve with Love without expectations, like St Therese. Proclaim the truth forcefully while humbly recognising your own faults, like St Augustine. Do not forget that God is the one changing hearts and calling the lost to Him. We are but instruments, and we too are lost. Let us be true beacons of light, so that we too may truly feel the joy at finding the lost, and truly rejoice when they return.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Felicia Zou)
Prayer: Almighty and loving Father, we thank you for your unending love for us, and we thank you for all the chances you have given us to grow. We are sorry for the times we have failed to love another, and for the times we let our pride take hold. Help us to see one another the way You see us, with charity and kindness.
Thanksgiving: Dear Lord, we thank You for Your unending love and patience for us, even when we fall so many times.
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