5-Nov-15

Gospel LK 15:1-10
The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus,
but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying,
“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
So Jesus addressed this parable to them.
“What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them
would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert
and go after the lost one until he finds it?
And when he does find it,
he sets it on his shoulders with great joy
and, upon his arrival home,
he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them,
‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’
I tell you, in just 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.
“Or what woman having ten coins and losing one
would not light a lamp and sweep the house,
searching carefully until she finds it?
And when she does find it,
she calls together her friends and neighbors
and says to them,
‘Rejoice with me because I have found the coin that I lost.’
In just the same way, I tell you,
there will be rejoicing among the angels of God
over one sinner who repents.”
Reflection:
In the parable from today's gospel the Shepherd does not passively wait at home in the hope that the stray sheep will somehow find it's way back to the flock. No, the Shepherd leaves the flock to go find it.
Are there lost sheep in my family, my workplace or, my neighborhood?
My lost sheep may not be a pleasant, passive lamb that will peacefully lay over my shoulder. Perhaps I have chased after this rebellious one before and it continues to butt me when I come close.
So much of scripture deals with repentance, but this well known parable speaks only of the unyielding paternal concern of God for His lost child.
Have I decided to "play it safe" and not stick my chin out to bring my brother of sister back to the Lord for fear of being rebuffed again? Do I stay close to the sheep fold and let my lost sheep fend for itself?
Or, as in the words of Isaiah, have I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?" And will I reply,"Here I am, send me." Isaiah 6:8
Is my love both gentle and strong enough to sing the song of Hosea to the one who is lost? "Come back to me with all your heart. Don't let fear keep us apart. Long have I waited for your coming home to be and living deeply our new life."
"When the world says give up, hope says try one more time." Anonymous