Lost Sheep

“Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep 

of the house of Israel." Matthew 10:6

This means that we don't have to look far to share the love of God with others. Sometimes, they come to us! Some time ago, a lady I did not know messaged me on Facebook Messenger asking for prayers for her daughter. I do not remember the details, but I know this mother was despairing for her as she had fallen into bad ways with a wayward crowd. I am also part of a Catholic group of mothers on Facebook, and there we can pray for the many concerns of wives and mothers around the world. It is good to be able to share the burden in even a little way. 

In Fr. Tito Caluag’s mass this morning, he cited the homily of Fr. Horacio dela Costa in September 1960. Fr. Dela Costa was not only the first Filipino Provincial Superior of the Jesuits, he was also a brilliant writer, scholar and historian. In the homily, Fr. Dela Costa reflected on the theme of authority which Jesus gave His disciples, saying it was life-giving. I believe we too were given this life-giving authority which is not about power or control, but love for others. 

Truly we live in a hurting world. People need prayers, a shoulder to cry on, an encouraging word, advice sometimes, but most often we just need someone to listen to us and be a friend. As St. Paul says to the Galatians, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” A burden shared is a burden halved, someone once said. So let us be sure to make ourselves be available to do the loving thing each time we have an opportunity. Let us make use of this life-giving authority God has given us. We never know, we might be the lifeline thrown out by God to someone who is drowning!