Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

"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."

It is much easier to cut our losses and walk away from problematic people, then to go the extra mile for them and find a way to mend our relationships with them. However, this is what we are called to do. It is part of our vocation to love God and others without holding back. Jesus would search for us if we were lost, lift us up, and carry us back to our heavenly home. We should do no less for those around us. We should be willing to search for a way to know, love, and serve those who are lost and help them to find God and themselves through our acts of charity and mercy. By doing this, we reveal the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus through our words and works and show them what it means to be Christ-like. We also give all of heaven a reason to rejoice and be glad for all those whom our actions touch.

Are we willing to seek out the lost no matter the cost? What can we do to lead them back to God and the safety of our heavenly home? Who are the people in our lives in most need of being carried back to God?

O Lord, help us to find your lost sheep.

Amen.