THE UNCOMMON LOGIC

 Meditation for Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent

(Is 40:1-11; Mt 18:12-14)

Let us meditate on the mystery of the Good Shepherd, who goes out to find the lost sheep. Human beings are naturally adventurous. We easily get bored by routines, and often stretch our necks high in search of something new. The image of a sheep that wandered from the sheepfold captures the wrong steps we fall into while searching for greater value and meaning outside the fold of revealed divine truth. Out of a hundred, when one sheep strays, common logic and laziness will settle for the ninety-nine. In the parable, the shepherd left the ninety-nine on the hills and went in search of the one that was lost. By leaving the greater number behind, he put them at risk, thus, he made a great sacrifice in search of the prodigal sheep.

 

In addition, by staying behind on the hill, in obedience and love, the ninety-nine participated in the sacrifice of their master for the one lost sheep. This is where the prayers and merits of the saints contribute to salvation of sinners. The Shepherd goes ahead in search of the one lost sheep, armed with the obedience and love of the ninety-nine. When the one sheep is found, the joy of the Shepherd is also shared by the ninety-nine. And this is a resounding joy, which is more than the joy he had over the ninety-nine.

Meditate on this great joy of salvation, and see how we who dwell in the desert of sin, look forward through this Advent for our approaching Savior. The mood of this joyful anticipation is what the prophet announced in the first reading of today. “A voice cries: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” Yes, comfort is coming; violence will be no more, and iniquity shall be pardoned. Hear the good tidings: “Behold, the Lord God comes with might, and His arm rules for Him; behold, His reward is with Him. Filled with these expectations, the lost sheep will be ready to welcome the Good Shepherd when He comes. Jesus said at the end, “So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.” Amen.

 

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Tuesday December 6, 2022.

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