Readings:

Philippians 3: 3-8
Luke 15:1-10

Reflection:

In his letter, Paul starts to boast a little of the advantages that his upbringing offers him. “I am even better qualified,” he says. I was born of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin…born of Hebrew parents…a Pharisee….as far as the Law can make you perfect, I was faultless.   Boast on Paul! But then he turns towards the face of the one who has given him the “supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” 

In today’s gospel passage, Jesus gently calls us back to remember how blessed we are when we let ourselves start to learn the lesson and receive the gift of forgiveness. He draws on very daily reminders of finding what really matters. He starts with finding things that matter to people – losing one sheep out of a flock of a hundred, or the woman who loses one of her precious coins, likely part of her dowry. The finding calls both of these characters to want to share the good news of the find with others. “Rejoice with me!  What I had lost has now been found!”

Jesus then calls us back to remember the biggest joy of all and that joy is our chance to share in the happiness of God receiving back one of God’s lost children for whom God grieves. It’s never too late to feel again, or for the first time, the wonderful forgiveness and healing that can wash through our hearts and make things fresh and clean and hopeful again.

We hasten towards the time of Advent. So recently we have also remembered those people who have shared the road with us and have now reached the fulness of life. Now the Word of God reminds us just as it reminded Paul that there is not much future in boasting and putting me up as I put you down. Now is a time to be refreshed and take heart from Jesus’ reminder that there is always hope and change and new life.  His message of newness is a gift to each of us at this time of uncertainty about the potential harm that nature and our oft-twisted human nature can unleash on our world. Let’s hear Jesus’ words all over again as if they are freshly spoken: “Come to me, all you that labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Fr. Kevin Dance CP is the vicar of the St.Brigid’s Retreat, Marrickville. He is very actively involved in ministries locally and at Passionist International where he served as the Executive Director for many years.