Homily for first reconciliation (Luke 15:1-7)

Dear children and families, brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today is a very special day as we prepare for First Reconciliation. It's a day when these young people will experience God's love and mercy in a new and beautiful way.

In our Gospel today, Jesus tells us a story about a shepherd who had one hundred sheep. Let's listen to what happens in this story from the Gospel of Luke:

> "Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, 'This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.' So he told them this parable: 'Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, "Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost." Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.'" (Luke 15:1-7, NRSV)

What a beautiful story Jesus tells us! Think about this shepherd for a moment. He had one hundred sheep, and when just one wandered away and got lost, he left the ninety-nine to search for that one lost sheep. When he found it, he was so happy that he carried it home on his shoulders and called all his friends to celebrate.

Children, do you know who the shepherd in this story represents? The shepherd is Jesus himself. And the lost sheep? That's each one of us when we make mistakes or do things that separate us from God's love.

Pope Francis explains this parable beautifully. He says: "God never tires of reaching out to us. He is always ready to listen. All we need to do is to say: 'Lord, I need you. Have mercy on me.'" The Holy Father reminds us that God is not a harsh judge waiting to punish us, but a loving Father eagerly waiting to embrace us.

When we sin – when we make wrong choices that hurt God, others, or ourselves – we become like that lost sheep. We wander away from the safety of God's love. But here's the wonderful news: Jesus, our Good Shepherd, never stops looking for us. He searches for us, finds us, and brings us back to safety with great joy.

This is exactly what happens in the Sacrament of Reconciliation that you are preparing for. When we go to Confession, we are allowing Jesus to find us and carry us back home on His shoulders. We admit that we've wandered away, we're sorry for our sins, and we want to return to God's loving embrace.

Saint Augustine, one of the great teachers of our Church, once said: "God loves each of us as if there were only one of us to love." Think about that! Just as the shepherd in the story cared so much about finding that one lost sheep, Jesus cares that much about each one of you. You are that precious to Him.

Now, I want to share something important with you about this Sacrament of Reconciliation. Sometimes people feel scared about going to Confession. They worry about what the priest might think or if God will really forgive them. But remember this: the priest is there to represent Jesus, the Good Shepherd. And just like in our story, there is great joy in heaven when we return to God through this sacrament.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that "the whole power of the sacrament of Penance consists in restoring us to God's grace and joining us with him in an intimate friendship" (CCC 1468). Isn't that beautiful? Reconciliation is not about punishment – it's about restoring friendship with God.

Let me tell you what will happen when you receive this sacrament for the first time. You will tell the priest your sins – the times you've made wrong choices. The priest will listen with kindness, offer guidance, and then give you absolution – that's a special prayer that brings God's forgiveness. You might feel nervous, but I promise you will also feel peace, relief, and joy afterward.

And just like the shepherd called his friends to celebrate when he found his lost sheep, we too celebrate when someone receives God's forgiveness. That's why we're all here today – to support you and to rejoice with you.

As you prepare for your First Reconciliation, I want you to remember three things:

First, God already knows everything about you and loves you completely.

Second, there is nothing you can do that is so bad that God won't forgive you if you are truly sorry.

And third, receiving this sacrament is not something to fear but something to celebrate – because it brings us closer to Jesus, our Good Shepherd.

Let us pray: Dear Jesus, our Good Shepherd, thank you for always searching for us when we stray. Help these children as they prepare for their First Reconciliation to feel your love and mercy. Give them courage to speak honestly about their sins and open hearts to receive your forgiveness. May they, and all of us, always trust in your endless mercy and love. Amen.

And remember, just as there is rejoicing in heaven when one sinner repents, we too rejoice with you as you take this important step in your journey of faith.