The parable in the Gospel is familiar to us. It reflects the love of God, as the Shepherd who would risk everything to find the lost sheep. When he finds it, he rejoices over it. Likewise, if a member of a Christian community goes astray, the fellow members of the Church would try to win the person back to the community. (Mt.18:15).

We often pray for unity in families. If a member of the family needs help, it is the duty of the rest of the family to reach out to the seemingly 'lost one'. This is a reminder to us Christians, the followers of Christ, to live in service to one another in humility and sacrifice. This is a reflection of 'love' in a community. We are called to make sacrifices for the love of others.

The image of the Shepherd is reiterated in the first reading wherein God, like the Shepherd feeding his flock, gathering lambs in his arms and holding them against his breast and leading to their rest the mother ewes." (v.11)

When we contemplate this scene, we feel the closeness and intimacy with Christ, our Saviour.

May the spirit of self-sacrifice and humility, like that of Jesus, lead us to form a loving, caring and forgiving Christian family/community.

Let us prepare ourselves to welcome Jesus in our hearts this Advent season.