Memorial of Saint Ambrose
Today’s gospel starts with a question, “What is your opinion?” Jesus is asking us to ponder the intended meaning of the parable he’s telling. He speaks of an owner with 100 sheep where one has gone astray. Conventional wisdom would say sometimes you have to sacrifice the wayward lamb to protect the 99. But this owner isn’t conventional; he goes out of his way not to lose anything that is his. It makes you wonder – why? Our God is wildly in love with us and wants nothing more than to be in right relationship. History documents the many times we’ve turned our back on him or “gone astray.” Conventional wisdom might ask us to sacrifice to get back in the fold. But our God is not conventional; not only does he not ask us to sacrifice, he sends his Son to bring us back into right relationship. Emmanuel – God among us. In the ultimate act of love, he becomes a sacrifice for us – he doesn’t want to lose even one of those entrusted to his care. By societal standards, many of those we serve at Catholic Charities have “gone astray.” Maybe they’re experiencing homelessness, maybe battling addiction, maybe struggling with mental illness. Most are facing the ill effects of poverty. In many cities, conventional wisdom would say, “Let’s look the other way and hope they go away.” But our mission is not conventional; it calls us to be more, to show a preferential option for the poor and vulnerable, to go to the margins, to sacrifice and seek out the lost sheep. Isaiah tells of a voice that cries out in the desert: “Prepare the way of the Lord.” We echo that call and prepare the way for the Lord when we cry out against conventional wisdom. We give a voice to the voiceless. We advocate for families who deserve a place at the table. We serve with care and compassion, just as Jesus taught us to do. Many of those we serve have experienced traumatic events in their lives - trauma which challenges their ability to believe in or embrace a loving God. We are the hands and feet of Christ. With our actions we cry out – “Here is a God you can believe in!” - a God who wants his people to know his love, to experience life in abundance, peace beyond all understanding, and joy that transcends the tumult of this world. We plant a seed for the Holy Spirit. What a blessing it is to represent Christ in our world. As we journey through Advent, let us long for the spirit of Emmanuel to animate our ministry so that all we serve will experience the true joy of Christmas this year. Deacon Scott Haner is a Permanent Deacon at St. Patrick parish in Louisville, KY. He also serves on the Board of Catholic Charities of Louisville. |
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