Gospel: Luke 15:3-7
So Jesus told them this parable: “Who among you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, will not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and seek the lost one till he finds it? And finding it, will he not joyfully carry it home on his shoulders? Then he will call his friends and neighbors together, and say, ‘Celebrate with me, for I have found my lost sheep!’ I tell you, in the same way, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one repentant sinner, than over ninety-nine decent people, who do not need to repent.
Reflection:
"Jesus, make our hearts like yours!"
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux reflects on the shepherd leaving the ninetynine sheep to search for the one that is lost. Does the shepherd not care about the ninety-nine? No, concludes Saint Bernard. Rather, he has left them in a safe place, in lush pastures, and so he pursues the lost sheep “without hesitation.” Indeed, this is what the prophet Ezekiel says of God’s care: “I, myself, will care for my sheep … They will rest where the grazing is good, and feed in lush pastures.” Therefore, the Good Shepherd never neglects any of his sheep, for his heart is filled with love for each one. As today we celebrate the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we reflect upon the boundless love of God whose merciful heart was pierced and poured out on the cross for the redemption of all people. The mystical experiences of Christ’s Sacred Heart stretch back through the history of the Church. Long before Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque had a vision of Christ’s Sacred Heart as a burning furnace of love, Saint Bernard of Clairvaux taught that the doorway to a deep union with Christ was his pierced heart. O Jesus, make our hearts like yours!
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