Inviting and Welcoming

Today's Gospel presents Luke's version of the parable of the Lost Sheep in which, as in Matthew, the shepherd leaves the other sheep in order to find the one which is lost.  Luke says, "If" he finds it, while Matthew uses "when" he finds it.  There is a chance, then, that the lost sheep might not be found.  What a pity that would be.
Applying this parable to our lives, we are called to follow the example of the shepherd's initiative in seeking the lost sheep. We cannot sit back and simply wait.  We need to say or do something.   So many of our family and friends have drifted away from the Church, that there is an urgency for us to engage them in conversation and at least let them know we care.  Our patient, loving words might just be what they need to edge back to the practice of their faith.  It's usually a slow process because of hurt or anger, or pure disgust over some of the behaviors of church leaders, be they pastors or bishops.

Just before the opening of the Second Vatican Council, Blessed Pope John XXIII made a short pilgrimage to the "House of Loreto", believed to be part of Mary's house, a small portion of which is also found in the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth.  Pope Benedict XVI paid a visit to Loreto as part of the 50th anniversary celebration for the opening of the Council.  Both put the work of evangelization, or presenting the beauty of the Gospel to others, in the hands of Mary under the Title of Our Lady of Loreto, patroness of hospitality, which is really the key to wooing others back to Jesus,  In light of this, our efforts of evanglization should be couched in a welcoming, hospitable way, rather than one that is confrontational. Gentleness, sensitivity, compassion and concern go a long way, and if accompanies by a good meal, almost guarantee a change of heart.
Bro. Rene