God Never Gives Up on the Lost

A Catholic Reflection on Ezekiel 2:8–3:4, Psalm 118(119):14,24,72,103,111,131 and Matthew 18:1–5,10,12–14

Sometimes following God is not easy. His Word may challenge the way we think, the way we live, and the things we desire. But today's readings remind us that God's Word is given to guide us, not to make our lives miserable. They teach us to listen to God, treasure His Word, become humble like children, and remember that every soul is precious to Him.

Listen to God — Ezekiel 2:8–3:4

God tells Ezekiel not to rebel against Him. Ezekiel is told to open his mouth and eat the scroll that God gives him.

Eating the scroll has a deeper meaning. Ezekiel must first receive God's Word into himself before he can proclaim it to others.

This is also important for us.

Sometimes we know what God teaches, but following it can be difficult. We may even be tempted to ignore God's teaching because doing what we want seems easier.

But God's commandments are given for our good. We may not always understand God's ways immediately, but we are called to trust Him.

Before we tell others how they should live, we should also allow God's Word to change our own hearts.

Reflection: Am I truly listening to God's Word, or only following the parts that are easy for me?

God's Word Is More Precious Than Riches — Psalm 118(119)

The Psalmist speaks beautifully about the value of God's law and His Word.

God's teaching is described as more valuable than gold and silver and sweeter than honey.

This challenges us because the world constantly tells us to look for happiness in money, possessions, success, status, and pleasure.

These things are temporary.

God's Word gives us something much greater. It gives us wisdom, direction, hope, and leads us toward eternal life.

As Christians, we also know that God's Word reaches its fullness in Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh.

We should therefore ask ourselves what we truly treasure. Do we spend more time chasing things that will eventually disappear, or seeking the things of God that last forever?

Reflection: Is God's Word really a treasure in my life?

Become Like a Child — Matthew 18:1–5

The disciples ask Jesus who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Jesus places a child before them and tells them that they must change and become like little children.

Jesus is not telling us to become childish. He is teaching us about humility and dependence on God.

Think about a young child.

A child depends upon his or her parents for food, protection, guidance, and many other needs. When children do not understand something, they ask questions. When they are afraid, they look for someone they trust.

Our relationship with God should have this kind of trust.

We sometimes behave as though we can handle everything ourselves. We only turn to God when things become too difficult.

Jesus reminds us that we need God every day.

We should be able to say:

"Father, I need You. Guide me, teach me, protect me, and help me to follow You."

That is not weakness. It is recognizing who God is and who we are.

God Searches for the Lost Sheep — Matthew 18:10,12–14

Jesus then speaks about a shepherd who has one hundred sheep. When one wanders away, the shepherd goes searching for it.

This shows us something beautiful about God's love.

Every person matters to God.

God does not look at someone who has wandered away and simply say, "I still have ninety-nine others."

He searches for the lost one.

There may be people around us who do not know Christ, people who have stopped practising their faith, or people whose lives seem very far from God.

We should never look down on them or think that they are hopeless.

God desires everyone to be saved.

At the same time, this does not mean that everyone is automatically saved regardless of how they respond to God. God gives us free will. His grace calls us, but we can accept or reject that grace.

We should also never decide for ourselves that a particular person is beyond salvation. God alone knows the human heart.

Instead of judging the lost sheep, we should pray for them, love them, and help them find their way toward Christ.

And sometimes, we need to remember that we can be the lost sheep too.

When we sin and wander away from God, He calls us back. Through repentance and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we can return to Him and receive His mercy.

What Today's Readings Teach Us

Today's readings give us a simple but powerful message:

• Listen to God even when His teaching is difficult.

• Allow God's Word to enter your heart before trying to teach others.

• Treasure God's Word more than money and possessions.

• Become humble and dependent upon God like a child.

• Remember that every person is precious to God.

• Do not look down on those who have wandered away from God.

• Pray for those who do not yet know Christ.

• When you wander away yourself, do not be afraid to return to God.

The shepherd does not rejoice because a sheep became lost.

He rejoices because the lost sheep was found.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
help me to listen to Your Word and obey You even when Your teaching is difficult for me. Teach me to treasure Your Word more than the things of this world.

Give me the humility of a child so that I may depend upon You completely. Help me never to look down on those who have wandered away from You. Instead, give me a heart that prays for them and helps lead them toward Your Son.

And whenever I am the one who wanders away, give me the humility to repent and return to You.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.