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THURSDAY OF THE THIRTY-FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, NOVEMBER 05, 2020

Writer's picture: Maria KnoxMaria Knox


A Gospel according to LK 15:1-10


The 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 Jesus addressed this parable to them. “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 neighbors 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 neighbors 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.


REFLECTION: "In just the same way, I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents."


For a while now the parish we have been attending is going through a "renewal".


Our pastor wants to bring back the beauty of our Catholic traditions, including organ/choir music, incense, Latin responses to the Mass, etc.


During one of his homilies, he explained why such a renewal. The emphasis was to center the Mass in the Eucharist.


He explained how our society thrives in a culture of noise, the casual and the banal, and the attraction to the self.


He also has been getting calls and messages from people who don't like the changes and have complained to the Cardinal, or simply leave a message saying "they are leaving for another parish".


In all honesty, if that had been me, I would have said: "OK, nobody is forcing you. Be on your way".


Instead, father told us that it is "OK" to be uncomfortable; that change is uncomfortable. We should instead allow the Mass to change us. Like a shepherd that truly cares for his flock, he welcomed anybody to come talk to him and discuss what makes them uncomfortable.


At that moment I realized what a priest should be like.


He wasn't uncaring of the people that did not like the changes. He didn't say: "go find another parish then" or held his own position as if it was "the law". He simply wants us to adore and love Our Lord: to celebrate the Mass, not perfectly, but well.


I truly believe that with his attitude, many people that have not approached the sacraments in a long time will feel welcome to return to the fold. The angels, God and His saints will keep rejoicing in Heaven for that lost sheep that has come back.


Let us pray the PAPA Prayer for Priests so they can all be holy and kind. May many souls follow them into Heaven.

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