December 7, 2004
St. Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor
Father Jason Koch, LC

Matthew 18:12-14
Jesus said to his disciples: “What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray. In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.”

Introductory Prayer:Dear Jesus, my Lord and God, assist me in this moment of prayer. Help me to concentrate on your infinite love and listen to the inspirations that you wish to give me this morning. I believe in you. I hope in you. I love you. Lord, be my shepherd and only meaning in life.

Petition:Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd. Give me the grace to experience your presence in my life.

1. Not All Shepherds Are the Same. In today’s society the image of the shepherd doesn’t say as much as it did in Jesus’ time. Psalm 23 was probably one of Christ’s favorite psalms for he uses the image of the shepherd frequently: “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.” Sheep have a trusting attitude and relationship with the shepherd. Instinctively they know that the shepherd will care for them. Christ is our shepherd who loves us. In our lives, other people or things promise to be our happiness and lead us into thinking that they are the shepherd. But this is short-lived; when the real trial comes they disappear and leave us alone just as a hired hand leaves the sheep when the wolf appears, since the sheep aren’t his. Let us renew our commitment to the Christ the Good Shepherd since he is the real shepherd of our souls.

2. Searching Out the Lost Sheep. In every group of animals there is always one that seems to get distracted and eventually lost. Many times in our lives we too get distracted and leave the security of Christ and his plan. Sin is what separates us from Christ. If we are not careful, we can be easily seduced by the world, by the fascination of material goods or pleasure, or place our security in them. If we ever find that we have fallen or gotten lost, God seeks us out until we are found and reconciled with him.

3. Let the Celebration Begin! I suppose that anyone who has children and has temporarily “lost” one of them can empathize with the joy God experiences when we are found once again and reunited with him. We may try to outdo him in love and generosity, but that cannot happen because his love surpasses all our imagining. Today, let us take a moment to talk to God about our state in life and really resolve to let him be actively present in our everyday living. Could there be any better way to prepare for Christmas than opening the door of our hearts? Christ is there knocking, asking to be allowed inside.

Dialogue with Christ: Lord, I realize that at times I can be separated from you because of my pride, vanity and sensuality. Grant me the grace to see the occasions of sin in my life and give me the resolve to firmly reject them. Let me experience your presence in my day and help me bring others to experience you.

Resolution: Today I will be attentive in my conversations to bring out only the good and positive in others.