Opening Prayer

Rest in this present moment and allow your body to relax. Let your mind become quiet. Let go of any thoughts or worries, and simply be present in this moment.

Scripture

Matthew 18:12-14
What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.

Reflection

When I see one of my family members distancing themselves with their struggles and not allowing me to support them, this feeling of being helpless, looking on and being unable to do anything is heartbreaking. When I had a concern about my health and kept it to myself, worrying about it didn’t help, and the symptoms got worse. I couldn’t see that I was lost, and I felt alone, thinking I could manage on my own. It’s only when someone else noticed my symptoms and pleaded many times, and with their support I eventually got back to myself. The fact that they reached out helped me to realise that we journey together. Community is important, as it allows us to listen to God’s care through others. The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine together, who support one another. He decides that the one on their own is in deeper need. In this Christmas season of goodwill, can we be mindful and reach out to those who need help?

Reflection Prayer

Lord, open my heart to notice those who feel lost or alone.
Give me the courage to reach out with compassion, as you reach out to me.
When I am the one who is struggling, help me to accept the care of others and to find your love in their kindness.

Concluding prayer

Love consists in sharing
what one has
and what one is
with those one loves.

Love ought to show itself in deeds
more than in words.

– St. Ignatius of Loyola (Putting Love into Practice)