Saint Martin de Porres, Religious (Optional Memorial)
Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep. (Luke 15:6)
We’ve all experienced losing something. Sometimes a quick prayer to St. Anthony is all it takes to lay our hands on a misplaced book or a set of keys. And when we find it, we are naturally both happy and relieved.
But what about losing touch with a friend or relative? Perhaps the estrangement was sudden, the result of something hurtful we did or experienced. Perhaps it was inadvertent—we both got busy and lost track of each other. In either case, we can’t help wondering, “Could I have prevented this? Can I fix it?” Maybe we don’t have anything in common anymore. Has she passed away, and I didn’t hear about it? We may even make a few attempts to do an Internet search. But over time, we realize that this lost relationship probably won’t be found, and so we give up.
This is not how Jesus acts. He never tires of searching for us. Whether someone has been gone for years or only a few minutes, Jesus keeps on looking and never gives up. And when he does find that person, he is thrilled to reconnect with them again. There is no recrimination, no mistrust or hesitancy. There is only an outpouring of joy and love.
Think about the joy you feel when you are reunited with a long-lost friend. After the first awkward moments, you may pick up right where you left off, swapping stories and filling in the details of the intervening years. You may need to share words of explanation or forgiveness, but your relationship is stronger than ever. Both of you will probably wonder why it took so long.
Isn’t that the way it is with Jesus? It may feel awkward at first, especially if our reunion takes place in the confessional. But whether our reunion is big or small—whether the distance between us was over leaving the Church or a nagging sin—it doesn’t matter to him. He’s just glad to have you back! He has searched high and low, and now he has found you. He has forgiven you for wandering, and all he wants is to renew your friendship once more. So come to him every day, and let him rejoice over you.
“Jesus, thank you for patiently, persistently searching for me. Thank you for bringing me back to you.”
Philippians 3:3-8
Psalm 105:2-7
Daily Marriage Tip for November 3, 2016:
St. Martin de Porres was known for his particular love for the poor. Volunteer at a local soup kitchen or food pantry this evening with your family.