At the time of baptism, when the Spirit of God descended, the voice of the Father exulted over the perfect life of Second Adam, that is sinless, blameless, and perfectly obedient; hence, Matthew says, “And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’” (Mt 3:17). The desire of God is that, at least, one sinner who hears the Gospel of His Son, if he cannot make it on his own, should be willing to be helped by the Shepherd, and that joy is matchless, that goes beyond the logic of reason, that is leaving the nineteen nine to save the lost one. That is why Jesus said, “I tell you, in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance” (Lk 15:7). The happiness of the woman who found her lost coin, is compared to the greatest happiness among the angels, over one repentance, “I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Lk 15:10). Let’s prioritise our repentance, and make Heaven glad.

Abba, thank You for trusting in us, for repentance. Let Your Spirit bring true repentance in our lives. In Jesus’ Most Holy Name, Amen.