The theme of today’s Mass is God’s love for us is revealed in the words and actions of Jesus, who declared himself “meek and humble of heart”. Then there is the Entrance Antiphon that reminds us what the psalmist said of him: “The thoughts of his heart last through every generation”.
We can also regard the Old Testament as a history book. It tells of God’s love, always faithful for his chosen ones, who commit themselves enthusiastically to him at first. Then they become hesitant; then doubtful, unfaithful and finally repentant and joyful again. A short time later – hesitant. And the record goes on and on. Couldn’t that also be the theme running through my own experience?
The Gospel today gives an image of God’s love, of his Sacred Heart. The shepherd has care and concern for each of his sheep, especially for the one who apparently began to show disinclination, then hesitation to be under the shepherd’s care. Result: lost in the dry wilderness. But not for long. The shepherd comes to find them.
I’ll spend some time today in reflecting on the shepherd’s thoughts and actions as they are presented in the Gospel, making a special petition for those lost sheep who forget they are sheep and don’t know they are lost.