It is 12th December 2017. We celebrate the memorial of our Lady of Guadalupe. The readings are from Isaiah 40:1-11; and the Gospel from Matthew 18:12-14. When we sin and ignore God, we are duly punished by God, yet God alone comes to save us and consoles us at the end. In the first reading, the Prophet gives the people of Israel hope telling our God is like a shepherd who never forget to feed and to protect the sheep and carries the young in his arms. “He is like a shepherd feeding his flock, gathering lambs in his arms, holding them against his breast and leading to their rest the mother sheep.” (Is. 40:11). People of Israel lost everything because of their infidelity to God. They lost their nation, country, freedom, honour, culture and the temple. Through the prophet, God wants to console God’s people. The Advent is a time to console one another who have been stripped naked by sins. The responsorial Psalm praises, “Here is our God coming with power.” (Is.40:9,10). In the Gospel, Jesus asserts that God is like a shepherd who is interested in everyone’s welfare. God does not want anyone to perish in sin rather to be saved by God. God rejoices when a sinful person,who lost the direction in spiritual life returns to the Lord. It is really the time God looking for you and for me. Let us not hide for too long. Let us make efforts to leave sin and repent truly. A true preparation leads to a deep conversion. God is truly concerned about the lost one. We are that lost one God is looking around to find during the Advent. Let us not be stubborn, adamant and secretive holding on to our sins. It is time to recourse to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is the most favorable and grace-filled time of our spiritual existence. We each one of us are so precious to our loving, caring and forgiving God. God values each one of no matter how terribly we have sinned against God. Without personal prayer and contrition of heart, we will not know the power of God’s love and care in His intense search for a lost soul. As God has vowed to find us, so let us be convinced to return to the Lord. God still loves and searches every nook and corner for me and you. May you have a good day.

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