Preached on November 10, 2020 at the Saint Meinrad Archabbey Church of Our Lady of Einsiedeln, St. Meinrad, Indiana
Readings: Titus 2:1-8, 11-14; Psalm 37:3-4, 18, 23, 27, 29; Luke 17:7-10
No one. Absolutely no one.
That is the answer every time Jesus asks the question, “Who among you?” (Lk. 17:7; cf. Lk. 15:4, 8; Mt. 7:9)
No one, absolutely no one, would leave an entire flock unattended to search for one lost sheep (cf. Lk. 15:4). No one, absolutely no one, would waste so much time, effort, and resources to look for a single coin (cf. Lk. 15:8). No one, absolutely no one, would throw a homecoming party for a son who has thrown away his inheritance (cf. Lk. 15:20-24, 30). No one, absolutely no one, would lower himself at the end of a long day to wait on his servant at table (cf. Lk. 17:7) and wash his servant’s feet (cf. Jn. 13:4-5). Everyone would do exactly what is expected, basically what is required, only what is obliged: nothing less but also nothing more (cf. Lk. 17:10).
No one but Christ would risk everything, spare nothing, forgive completely, and serve wholeheartedly.
No one, absolutely no one, but Christ? Surely not. Surely everyone who follows Christ would also settle for nothing less than doing more, giving more, forgiving more.
Jesus asks us the question, “Who among you would follow My example?” It would be an utter shame if our answer is: No one, absolutely no one.
carved on ivory by an unknown artist from Constantinople.
Present location: Bode-Museum, Berlin, Germany
Article source: https://noelzamora.wordpress.com/2020/11/10/no-one/