Lost

First Reading: Gn 32:23-33
Psalm: Ps 17:1b-3, 6-7ab, 8b, 15 -- In justice, I shall behold your face, O Lord
Gospel: Mt 9:32-38

May the LORD, the God of the spirits of all mankind, set over the community a man
who shall act as their leader in all things, to guide them in all their actions; that the LORD'S community may not be like sheep without a shepherd. - Numbers 27:16-17

At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. - Matthew 9:36

Friends,

Have you ever met someone that seemed lost? Not in the ordinary sense of not knowing where they are going, but lost in the spirit. Someone who does not know where they are or where to go in life. Such people are truly among the most pitiable, wandering but not knowing when they have arrived, seeking but never knowing if they have found.

In today's gospel, Jesus sees the crowd in such a state. They are a people feeling lost and abandoned. God has been silent for many generations until John the Baptist began his ministry. There were at least four competing sects of Judaism, each with a different understanding and each vying for the support of the crowds. Suddenly, a great preacher appears, who speaks with authority (Luke 4:32) and does great signs. Here, finally, is someone who knows the way. Not only that, but he teaches that they can learn the way too.

In our own day, we meet people who are lost in a similar way. They find that material wealth, popularity and promiscuity have not led them to the happiness that they so greatly desire. As Christians, we know that there is only one leader who can show us the way to our true destiny, Jesus Christ. The next time any of us should meet a lost soul, pause a moment to share with them the way to find what they are looking for.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of this day. We are very grateful that you have given us the Good Shepherd to guide our way. Lord, help us, as we continue in our walk, to share with others the way, the truth and the life that can be found only in you. Thank you for the great spiritual leaders you have given us in our day and may your blessings be upon them always. We ask all of this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Promises

First Reading: Gn 28:10-22a
Psalm: Ps 91:1-4, 14-15ab -- In you, my God, I place my trust
Gospel: Mt 9:18-26

In you and your descendants all the nations of the earth shall find blessing.
Know that I am with you; I will protect you wherever you go, and bring you back to this land. I will never leave you until I have done what I promised you. - Genesis 28:14b-15

Friends,

It never ceases to amaze me how the promises of God work throughout time. In today's first reading, we hear God's promises for Jacob, son of Issac, grandson of Abraham. These are some pretty spectacular promises: countless descendants, possession of a rich homeland, protection in your travels and the nations of the world finding blessing in your family.

Two things jump out when reading through this passage, and the promises made to Abraham and Issac. First, it is not that different from the promises that are seen from mythology. There are countless stories where the "gods" promise protection, many kids, lots of riches, to those that will do what they say. However, there are few, if any, others that say that all others will count them as a blessing. Most often, they are concerned with conquering other nations. Yet, we know that

Second, we must keep in mind that Jacob, Issac and Abraham did not see these promises fulfilled in their lifetimes. Abraham and Issac each had two sons, hardly the start of a great nation. Jacob died in Egypt, far from the lands God had promised to him and his fathers. It seemed impossible that Still, they trusted that the Lord would keep His promise to them. History tells us that God did just that.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of this day. Thank you for your Son, a blessing to all nations. We stand in awe when we contemplate the wonders you have done for us. Lord, grant that we might learn to trust you. Remind us when we are despairing that you have never failed to keep your promises. Let our faith in your word glorify your name. We ask all of this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.