The first reading shows us how God had saved his people; however, that chosen people forgot the covenant they had made with God and preferred to make themselves a God to measure, a golden calf. Once again, Moses had to intercede for God to forgive his people. They hardened her heart and his mind.
The Gospel tells us about those who, in the time of Jesus, hardened their minds and hearts, and felt they had full rights (Pharisees) and despised publicans and sinners. But Jesus received sinners and outcasts and ate with them. Why did Jesus receive sinners? The answer is found in the parables of mercy contained in chapter 15 of the Gospel of Luke. He has come in search of those most in need, those who are far away, those who have been lost, those most in need.
Even today we can make ourselves a God to measure, and live the faith for convenience, despising others, especially those we judge unworthy of God's blessing. Among the sheep, are we one of the ninety-nine, or are we the one that got lost in the bush and needs to be rescued?
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