In today’s First Reading, a voice cries out in the desert, bringing hope and comfort to the shattered exiles. Some of them thought the exile was a punishment from God. But when Isaiah speaks of the “strong arm” of the Holy One, it is not raised to inflict punishment, but is one that has the strength to gather all the lost lambs, hold them close to God’s heart and gently lead them home. The Psalmist reminds us to sing joyfully to the Lord for he is our rock of salvation.

We should not harden our hearts, test God or have erring hearts. Our praise adds nothing to God’s greatness, but makes us grow in his grace. In today’s Gospel proclamation Jesus echoes the cry of Isaiah, announcing that he will leave the ninety-nine on the hillside and go in search of the one that goes astray. God picks us up and fills us with unending love. Let us allow God to wash our sins away and empower us to journey according to his divine will. To err is human, to forgive divine, that is why Jesus told Peter to forgive without limits.

Prayer: Abba Father, we pray for the grace to listen and to obey you. Amen.