Rejoicing in Our Return
“It is not the will of your heavenly Father
that one of these little ones be lost." (Matthew 18:14)
“It is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost." (Matthew 18:14)
Jesus’ illustration of a shepherd going out of his way for one lost sheep remains an important reminder of who our God is for us sinners. Notably, our God does not walk away from us even when we go our own way, doing our own will. Even when we have chosen to sin and failed to love God and our neighbor, He still chases after us! The Father doesn’t merely stop and interrogate us by asking, “Why, how, and when did you sin?” Instead, He welcomes us back and rejoices in our return.
During this joyful Advent season, before we focus too much on buying Christmas gifts, why not just as zealously concentrate on how we may return to the Lord by Christmas?
What have I or have not done to be one with the Messiah who calls me to be united with Him in heart, mind, and conduct?
O Divine Messiah, as we await your coming, help us to prepare our hearts to be a mirror reflecting your Most Holy Image to others. Amen.
Father Lucius Amarillas is a monk and priest of the Order of Saint Benedict at Saint Leo Abbey, Florida. He was born in California but grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada. After studying at Saint Leo University, he joined the Benedictine monastery on campus where he currently serves as the Prior and adjunct professor of theology at Saint Leo University. Along with ministering to the Saint Leo community, Father Lucius also ministers in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg by celebrating Mass and preaching retreats to adults and youth at the Saint Leo Abbey Retreat Center.
