Homily: Nineteenth Tuesday of Ordinary Time

Nineteenth Tuesday of Ordinary Time (Mt. 18:1-5, 10, 12-14) “Jubilation)

My mother’s brothers were farmers. We would often go to visit our aunts, uncles and cousins. I remember one Sunday evening when we went to visit my mother’s oldest brother’s family. When we arrived, our cousins were out in the barnyard waiting in expectation.

My sister and I went over to where they were. We asked what was going on. We were told that the cows were having calves, and that one cow had wandered off in the woods. She had been gone most of the day. There was a fear that the cow was having problems delivering her calf or that the calf was not able to walk for some reason. Would the calf live we all wondered.

We looked out in the woods towards where my uncle had disappeared a couple of hours before. Finally, he arrived. My uncle was a big strong man. He stood six feet six and was all muscle. Finally, we saw him coming towards the barn with the calf slung over his shoulder. The cow followed behind. We cheered him as he came toward us, happy that the calf was safe.

I have that picture in my mind as I read of the lost sheep in the Gospels. The Shepherd goes out to find the sheep and when he finds him there is jubilation. There certainly was jubilation when my uncle walked up with the lost calf.

The image of the lost sheep is used to describe how God relates to his people. God is not happy when one of his chosen people wander into sin. When a believer choses darkness over light God reaches out to that person as the Holy Spirit subtly nags at the one who is lost reminding them of who the true shepherd.

We are reminded by this little parable that God is never going to let a relationship go without a fight. God will track the sinner down as the shepherds tracks down the lost lamb.

Reflection Question:

1.    Do I worry about some relatives who no longer choose to attend Mass? What do I do if I can’t convince them to return?

2.   Do I trust the Holy Spirit to bring back the lost? Why or why not?

Dear Parishioners,

            I had Mass with those who teach at Seton School today. We prayed for the success of the school year. Next Monday the students will return. Where did the summer go?

            The teachers pledged to be catechists and to model what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Our teachers will be the most influential adults in the children’s lives over the next year. I am sure they know that this is an awesome responsibility.

            Please take a moment to pray for all teachers today as they begin the new year.

            Mary Seat of Wisdom, pray for us,

            Fr. Mark