2ND TUESDAY HOMILY OF THE ADVENT — YEAR A
HOMILY THEME: JESUS, THE GOOD SHEPHERD
BY: Fr Francis Onwunali
Isa 40:1-11; Psalm 95(96):1-3, 10-13; Matt 18:12-14
The Scriptures use the image of a shepherd who cares for his sheep to describe what God is like. The shepherd’s grief and anxiety is turned to joy when he finds the lost sheep and restores it to the fold.
In the first reading (Is. 40: 1-11), God promised that he would personally shepherd his people and lead them to safety. The exiles are reassured of being led back to the Promised Land in safety (Isaiah 40:11).
That is why God sent his only begotten son as the Messiah King who would not only restore peace and righteousness to the land, but who would also shepherd and care for his people with love and compassion. Jesus describes himself as the good shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep (John 10:11). This caring image of the Good Shepherd is what Jesus presents to us in the parable of the lost Sheep in today’s gospel (Matt. 18: 12-14).
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Dear friends, continuing with the theme of yesterday’s message, God wants all of us to turn back to Him, and that is why God has more joy when the “wayward Sheep” is found and rescued. God’s love searches for us and wishes that we in turn search for and rescue others who are drifting from faith in God.
I pray as we journey in life today, let us take the time to appreciate God’s infinite love for us. Let us reflect on what parts of our life may need to be re-worked so that it fulfils God’s thoughts and desires for us. May we be bearers of the Good News of God’s compassion to others through our actions and words. Have a compassion-full day!