The first reading gives us an image of God as a loving parent, who lifts up a child to his cheek, and bends down to feed him. Just imagine this beautiful sight! It is God and us.

The Father's love for us is so strong that he subdues his anger that overwhelms his heart and feverishly grips his inner being. Righteous anger is not unfamiliar to us; but love and forgiveness can quench it and channel it in positive directions. Let us ask God to give us the grace to do this.

Jesus, the Son, is like the Father. He comissions the Twelve: Bring them back! Bring the lost sheep back into the fold! He teaches us to go with prudence and discretion. He cautions us against the wolves. Pope Francis, formerly Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina, urges catechists to go out into the streets, and not be afraid to get stuck or disoriented on the road. Armed with apostolic zeal, we open ourselves to the Spirit who sets us in this spiritual movement. We must pray and discern so that we do not succumb to temptations such as diverted routes, but stick to the Way that takes the assembly to the one safe fold.