Daily Reflection Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent

These days when I lose something I immediately say, “Tony, Tony look around somethings lost and must be found.” Poor Saint Anthony, the things I bother him for. One thing I can say is that he never disappoints. I don’t ever remember a time I asked him to find something that did not show up. This begs me to wonder, in my very active imagination, what did people do before he was made a saint?

Today’s gospel also creates a very vivid image in my mind. I see Jesus finding the one lost soul and rejoicing in heaven as he brings it home. I have been praying with the Hallo app this Advent. On day three of Advent Sr. Agnus Dei of the Sisters of Life led the meditation. To paraphrase she said our God fights for us. He broke into history to share his redeeming love and divine life with us. He will stop at nothing in pursuit of us. She said the God who fashioned the depths of the oceans and arranged the stars, who made the mountains and the sunrises, made you! You weren’t and then you were. Imagine that!  

The God of wonder beyond anything we can imagine created us out of love. You weren’t and then you were! That is such a powerful statement. God loves everything about us. He created us in his image and likeness. We are each unique, no two alike yet all loved beyond our wildest imagination.

Sr. Agnus then said one of the most beautiful things I have ever heard. “God chose you and has an irreplaceable mission for you. One that begins here and echoes into eternity…one that unfolds by way of love…” That is why he relentlessly pursues us. It is because of that love that he does not want one of us to stray. One thing I know for sure is that Jesus is not saying Tony, Tony look around to find his lost sheep. Jesus is right there in the midst of everything, pursuing each of us and guiding us so that we do not get lost. 

For the rest of this Advent season set aside a few minutes each day to sit and be loved by God. Invite Jesus into your heart. Imagine Jesus sitting next to you, feel his love for you, a love that is uniquely yours. Let is wash over you and fill you with peace. Share that love with those around you. 

That is the mission God has for you. Love those around you and let that love echo into eternity!