REFLECTIONS ON THE WORD – 12/7/21 (Feast Day of St. Ambrose)

For the readings, click here: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/daily-readings

Blessed Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent and blessed feast day of St. Ambrose! In the gospel reading, Jesus shows us that He is the Good Shepherd who will leave the 99 sheep in the hills to find and save the one who is lost. Why does He seek to save the lost sheep? It is because the lost sheep is in danger of being eaten by the wolves, and the same is true for our salvation. When a sinner persists in sin, that sinner may be lost and miserable forever. Out of His merciful love, He wants to save each and every one of us to experience eternal happiness in heaven in union with God. 

In our lives, we may be discouraged and fall to despair everytime we commit a sin, especially a grave sin. We may think that we always disappoint the Lord, and there is no hope in us because we always commit the same sins over and over. But, the Lord is inviting us to trust Him because He is our Savior who loves us so much that He died for us. We should always be encouraged to persevere because there is a great joy in heaven everytime a sinner repents and embraces the infinite mercy of Christ. Everytime we become lost, Jesus wants us to practice humility by considering ourselves as little ones, as little children. Who are the little ones? They are the people who acknowledge their weaknesses which leads to entrusting oneself fully to the Good Shepherd and to the Father. 

Let us devote all our attention to the salvation of our souls by always repenting of our sins and persevering in our spiritual life. We need to avoid dangerous occasions and resist temptations that keep us away from Him. Let us receive the sacraments frequently. Let us always pray to Jesus through the intercession of our Holy Mother Mary for our salvation. If we succeed in trusting in our Good Shepherd, we shall be eternally happy. 

 Amen +

 

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May God bless us and may He help us to repent of our sins. May He grant us the gift of humility and child-like faith in His Mercy. Amen. + 

Reflection by: Dominic