Thursday, 31st Week of Ordinary Time: Knowing Christ

In this time of a second "shutdown", we are recommencing the publication of a daily homily/reflection. Canon Michael and Father Richard obviously continue to celebrate Masses each day, remembering all parishioners especially in prayer. Here are Father Richard's words for today:

“…I believe nothing can happen that will outweigh the supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." (Phil 3:8) 

St Paul’s words in today’s reading are true for every one of us. To know Christ is the greatest advantage of our lives – as it’s Christ who brings us into union with Our Father and with one another.

Christ has many titles which reflect His care for us. Today’s Gospel bring to mind two – Christ the Divine Physician and Christ the Good Shepherd. The Pharisees and scribes observe correctly that Jesus “welcomes sinners and eats with them.” It’s because Jesus wishes to convert them so that they turn away from sin. In another part of Luke’s Gospel, Jesus Himself reminds us: “It is not those who are well who need the doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the virtuous, but sinners to repentance.” (Lk 5: 31-32) Jesus, the Heavenly Doctor, is ready to heal us of our wounds, if we are prepared to “make an appointment with Him” in prayer and, primarily, in the Sacrament of Confession.

Jesus the Good Shepherd goes after the stray sheep who has wandered away from God’s Law. Whenever we go astray, the Lord always comes to search for us, to bring us back to the fold, if we let Him.

To know who Christ is, to know and to expose ourselves to His infinite mercy, will lead us to eternal life.