What shepherd feeds his sheep with his own blood? But Christ feeds us with His own Blood and in all things unites us to Himself. – St. John Chrysostom
In today’s Gospel, we hear the parable of the lost sheep from Matthew’s perspective. Matthew uses the word “stray” rather than “lost” to describe the missing sheep. The word “stray” implies an intentionality to the action of the sheep. That is, the sheep intentionally leaves the herd rather than simply getting lost accidentally. I think this simple word choice makes the message of the Gospel really clear; when we sin, we become like the stray sheep in the parable. Sin is an intentional turning away of our hearts from God. The hope in this analogy comes when Matthew tells us that when the stray is found, “he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray”. When we come back to Christ, when He finds us, we will not be met with rebukes or reprimands. Rather, we will be met with rejoicing and revelry!
Jesus is the Good Shepherd who will rejoice when one of his lost children is found after they have gone astray. He never stops seeking us nor does he ever give up hope that we will return to Him and His love. His love for us has no limits; He does not put conditions or constraints on the joy He takes in our acceptance of His love. As St. John Chrsysostom says, Jesus feeds us with His own blood in order to unite us to Him. We are His joy and when we stray from Him, He awaits us with open arms.
As we prepare our hearts for the birth of Christ, let us reflect upon the ways in which we have strayed from Christ and His love.
St. Nicholas, pray for us!
¿Qué pastor alimenta a sus ovejas con su propia sangre? Pero Cristo nos alimenta con su propia Sangre y en todo nos une a Él. – San Juan Crisóstomo
En el Evangelio de hoy, escuchamos la parábola de la oveja perdida desde la perspectiva de Mateo. Mateo usa la palabra “extraviada” en lugar de “perdida” para describir a la oveja desaparecida. La palabra “extraviarse” implica una intencionalidad a la acción de la oveja. Es decir, la oveja abandona intencionalmente el rebaño en lugar de simplemente perderse accidentalmente. Creo que al escoger esta palabras hace que el mensaje del Evangelio sea más claro; cuando pecamos, nos volvemos como la oveja descarriada de la parábola. El pecado es un alejamiento intencional de nuestro corazón de Dios. La esperanza en esta analogía surge cuando Mateo nos dice que cuando se encuentra el descarriado, “se alegrará más por ella que por las noventa y nueve que no se le perdieron.” Cuando volvamos a Cristo, cuando Él nos encuentre, no seremos recibidos con reprensiones o amonestaciones. Más bien, ¡seremos recibidos con regocijo y jolgorio!
Jesús es el Buen Pastor que se regocijará cuando uno de sus hijos perdidos sea encontrado después de haberse extraviado. Él nunca deja de buscarnos ni pierde la esperanza de que volvamos a Él y a su amor. Su amor por nosotros no tiene límites; no pone condiciones ni restricciones al gozo que siente por nuestra aceptación de su amor. Como dice San Juan Crisóstomo, Jesús nos alimenta con Su propia Sangre para unirnos a Él. Somos su alegría y cuando nos alejamos de Él, nos espera con los brazos abiertos.
Mientras preparamos nuestros corazones para el nacimiento de Cristo, reflexionemos sobre las formas en que nos hemos desviado de Cristo y de su amor.
¡San Nicolás, ruega por nosotros!
Dakota lives in Denver, CO with her husband, Ralph, and their two sons, Alfie & Theophilus. She is the Dean of Enrollment Management for Bishop Machebeuf High School where her husband also teaches. You can find Dakota at the zoo or a brewery with her family or with her nose in a book at home. For more of Dakota’s writing check out https://dakotaleonard16.blogspot.com/
Feature Image Credit: Ranyel Paula, cathopic.com/photo/13409-coronilla-de-adviento
Tami Urcia grew up in Western Michigan, a middle child in a large Catholic family. She spent early young adulthood as a missionary in Mexico, studying theology and philosophy, then worked and traveled extensively before finishing her Bachelor’s Degree in Western Kentucky. She loves tackling projects, finding fun ways to keep her little ones occupied, quiet conversation with the hubby and finding unique ways to love. She works at for Christian Healthcare Centers, is a guest blogger on 
Sheryl is happy to be the number 1 cheerleader and supporter for her husband, Tom who is a candidate for the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Kalamazoo. They are so grateful for the opportunity to grow together in this process. Sheryl’s day job is serving her community as the principal for St. Therese Catholic School in Wayland, Michigan. Since every time she thinks she gets life all figured out, she realizes just how far she has to go, St. Rita of Cascia is her go-to Saint for intercession and help. Home includes Carlyn, a very, very goofy Golden Retriever and Lucy, our not-so-little rescue puppy. 
Mike Karpus is a regular guy. He grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, graduated from Michigan State University and works as an editor. He is married to a Catholic school principal, raised two daughters who became Catholic school teachers at points in their careers, and now relishes his two grandchildren, including the older one who is fascinated with learning about his faith. He also has served on a Catholic school board, a pastoral council and a parish stewardship committee. He currently is a lector at Mass, a Knight of Columbus, Adult Faith Formation Committee member and a board member of the local Habitat for Humanity organization. But mostly he’s a regular guy.
Kathryn Mulderink, MA, is married to Robert, Station Manager for Holy Family Radio. Together they have seven children (including Father Rob), and seven grandchildren. She is President of the local community of Secular Discalced Carmelites and has published five books and many articles. Over the last 30 years, she has worked as a teacher, headmistress, catechist, Pastoral Associate, and DRE, and as a writer and voice talent for Catholic Radio. Currently, she serves the Church by writing and speaking, and by collaborating with various parishes and to lead others to encounter Christ and engage their faith. Her website is 
Leslie Sholly is a Catholic, Southern wife and mother of five, living in her hometown, Knoxville, Tennessee. She graduated from Georgetown University with an English major and Theology minor. She blogs at 
Deacon Dan Schneider is a retired general manager of industrial distributors. He and his wife Vicki have been married for over 50 years. They are the parents of eight children and thirty grandchildren. He has a degree in Family Life Education from Spring Arbor University. He was ordained a Permanent Deacon in 2002. He has a passion for working with engaged and married couples and his main ministry has been preparing couples for marriage.
Kate Taliaferro is an Air Force wife and mother. She is blessed to be able to homeschool, bake bread and fold endless piles of laundry. When not planning a school day, writing a blog post or cooking pasta, Kate can be found curled up with a book or working with some kind of fiber craft. Kate blogs at 
J.M. Pallas has had a lifelong love of Scriptures. When she is not busy with her vocation as a wife and mother to her “1 Samuel 1” son, or her vocation as a public health educator, you may find her at her parish women’s bible study, affectionately known as “The Bible Chicks.”
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