June 11, Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. — Psalm 23:1

Mass Readings: Ezekiel 34:11-16 / Romans 5:5-11 / Luke 15:3-7  

Joyful Reunion

For 12 years, I waited for my estranged daughter to return. Bitterness swallowed me as I told her brother, “I’ve been robbed. Those years are lost forever.” Finally, she called me. When we met, tears ran into a quivering mouth that whispered, “Mom, I’m sorry. I love you.” Instantly, joy turned my sorrow into dust that I tossed into the wind to blow away. All that mattered was that once again, she was mine.  

Jesus paints a similar picture in today’s parable about “lost sheep.” He tells us heaven rejoices more for one repentant sinner than for 99 righteous people who never left God’s embrace. The deeper the pain of losing someone, the greater the jubilation upon his or her return. When God forgives, the past disappears. Then, with open arms, He welcomes, and loving joy abounds.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me back when I am lost and for welcoming my return.