The first reading speaks of the Israelites turning away from God in order to worship a golden calf (cf Ex 32:8). On the surface, it might seem difficult for us to relate to this reality, but we are constantly bombarded with voices that entice us to acquire more and more superficial possessions: new cars, bigger homes, more stylish clothing, jewels, gadgets ... and so on. Each one of these can be a modern-day golden calf, ultimately luring us to turn our attention away from God. How easy it is at times to give in to such temptations! Yet, God calls us, in the silence of our hearts and the intimacy of prayer, to forsake these false gods and to return to Him.
Saint Paul provides a prime example of one who truly understands the tenderness and mercy of God, gifts that are always ours for the asking. Speaking of his own personal experience, he says: I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me (1 Tim 1:12). Each of us can repeat these words if we ourselves have come to know them to be true in our own lived experience. In the end, it is Christ Jesus who constantly strengthens us and prepares us for the mission he entrusts to us.
Saint Luke focuses our attention today on the pain of loss and the rejoicing that follows when that which has been lost has been found (cf Lk 15:11-32). The most powerful element of this passage is the story of the lost son who abandoned home and family in favour of reckless living. Perhaps we can identify with this pain ... or perhaps we can more easily see ourselves in the elder son's discontent and envy when the father warmly welcomes his brother home. Maybe, there is a bit of both these characters in us.
Today, let us pray that our heavenly Father will grant us the grace to answer the call to recognize and to welcome his love, his mercy and his forgiveness.
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