In this season of Advent, bring to the Lord your burdens that drive you away from Him - Daily Bible Reflections December 10,2013

THE LOST SHEEP

 

“It is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.” – Matthew 18:14

 

Rene Vargas, a drug addict who wouldn’t admit it, would sing Basil Valdez’s song “Lift Up Your Hands” in beerhouses. But one day, while he was undergoing drug rehab, he heard the same song. It was as if the Lord Himself was singing to him, “Cast your burdens upon Me those who are heavily laden … come to me and I will give you rest.”

       At that moment, Rene’s rock-solid heart softened. Who was this Stranger inviting him to cast his addiction upon Him? Then Rene felt God’s warm embrace and heard a whisper, “That’s enough, son. I’ll take care of you.” Overflowing tears melted the scales in his eyes and Rene began to see things clearly. He was at peace.

       This amazing testimony of my humble mentor in the Extraordinary Ministry of the Holy Communion deepened my respect for him and intensified my conviction that there is a God. Rene is a living testimony of how God searched for His lost sheep.

       There is no sin so big that our God cannot forgive and there is no lost child that God will never find. Leo Villarico (leovrico@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: In this season of Advent, bring to the Lord your burdens that drive you away from Him.

 

O Lord, sing to me. My heart is restless until it rests in You.

 

St. John Roberts, priest and martyr, pray for us.