Tuesday, December 10, 2002
2nd Week of Advent

1st Reading: Is 40:1-11

Gospel: Mt 18:12-14

Jesus said to his disciples, "What do you think of this? If someone has a hundred sheep and one of them strays, won't he leave the ninety-nine on the hillside, and go to look for the stray one? And I tell you: when he finally finds it, he is more pleased about it than about the ninety-nine that did not get lost. It is the same with your Father in heaven: there they don't want even one of these little ones to be lost."

Commentary

What gives God joy? When someone who was lost is found again. Advent is a season of joy, reminding us of God's total commitment to the role of the faithful shepherd. The first reading says it too: "Like a shepherd he tends his flock: he gathers the lambs in his arms, her carries them in his bosom, gently leading those that are with young." God is like a shepherd, with the tenderness of a caring mother, a gentle father. Everything passes in life: the grass withers; the flower fades. What remains? Love and faithfulness. Jesus asks us: "What do you think of this - leaving the ninety nine to go in search of the one who is lost?" A God like this is worth waiting for.

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