Think about a time when you lost something important. You probably spent significant time and effort looking for it, right? In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us two beautiful examples of people looking for things that are valuable to them and showing how they rejoice upon the object’s return. He does this in an effort to show the Pharisees how valuable we are to Him. This brings me great joy because it reassures me that no matter how far I may stray from God’s light, He is nothing but ecstatic when I come home - back to Him.  Despite this knowledge, I often ask myself if I am a “good enough” Catholic and role model in my faith. After all, I’m just me, right? A sinner. But in these moments, I remind myself that Jesus sought out the sinners and ate with them. He went into the populations where He knew work needed to be done, and brought them home.

Furthermore, the fact that the Pharisees and scribes were complaining about Jesus’ actions is important. They, perhaps, believed themselves better than the tax collectors and the sinners, and more worthy of being in Jesus’ presence. I am reminded of John 8:7, “He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone at her”. Were the Pharisees and scribes without sin? I am willing to bet they were not. It is was not their place, nor is it ours, to pass judgement on others. They too, were part of the flock needing to be brought home. But Jesus didn’t put them down by showing how they were sinners, instead, he showed them how right they were. The tax collectors and the sinners did need the time with Jesus.

Lord, help me to not be jealous when I see you working within others, for you welcome all into your warm embrace. Allow me to be satisfied with the way you do things in my life.