Reflection for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

By Dot Connealy, Notre Dame Associate

Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14 1 Timothy 1:12-17 Luke 15:1-32

The story of the Good Shepherd presents one of my favorite images of God. Being a small lamb helpless and confused about who and where I am is something I can relate to (at least at times). These feelings seem to be present more often as I grow older.

I find stories like these presented in the Gospel today, to be helpful to me when I meditate about God’s goodness and about how he often “holds us in His hand,” much like the coin in the 2nd story. We belong to our God and when we “spend” ourselves it should be on God’s behalf.

The wayward son (daughter) is also a story that resonates. Who among us has not felt at some point that we let those around us “down.” And, who, also, hasn’t felt like the “good” child who feels wronged when others around us seem to get all the “good stuff” and we are left with naught.

The important thing to remember (I believe) is the final statement the father makes to his son who stayed home. “My son (daughter), you are here with me always; everything I have is Yours.”
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Let us remember how Good God is!