We have heard these parables of forgiveness so many times that we may have missed Jesus' real point. But we might ask: Is it even proper to call them parables of "forgiveness"? We hear it said: "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, to them, he addressed this parable."
Those to whom Jesus addressed the parables were the complainers, the leaders, and people who didn't want sinners to have a place in Jesus' life and ministry. The parable is NOT a word to sinners about God's mercy; it is a parable of challenge and judgment to anyone who lacks mercy. The images of a shepherd seeking his one lost sheep and the woman searching for her one lost coin are meant to challenge these religious leaders out of their self-righteousness and their reluctance to accept a God whose mercy and hospitality extend to all peoples of all times.
God has always been God of mercy, God of patience, and God who seeks out the lost. How then, Jesus asks the leaders, do you dare to create a god of your rules, you narrowness, your elitism, and ignore the true God?
So, today is a Sunday of self-reflection. If we have been or are now in sin, God's mercy is searching for our deepest souls, with love beyond imagining, ready to receive and welcome us no less than Jesus welcomed sinners in his time.
If we are leading lights of the Church, the parish, and the diocese, the examination must be about our hospitality or lack thereof to those "outside" our system. No matter how wise, authentic, and accurate our teaching, our moral laws, and our Church norms are, we must be people of mercy and welcome as we answer the call to lead others to the life and light of Christ.+
Homily for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Homily for the 4th Sunday of Advent
Homily for Saturday of the 3rd Week of Advent
Homily for Friday of the 3rd Week of Advent
Homily for Thursday of the 3rd Week of Advent
Homily for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent
Homily for Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent
Homily for Monday of the 3rd Week of Advent
Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Advent
Homily for Saturday of the 2nd Week of Advent
Homily for Friday of the 2nd Week of Advent
Homily for the Memorial of St. John of the Cross
Homily for the Memorial of St. Lucy, Virgin & Martyr
Homily for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Homily for Monday of the 2nd Week of Advent
Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Advent
Homily for the Memorial of St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin
Homily for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Homily for the Memorial of St. Ambrose
Homily for Tuesday of the 1st Week of Advent
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