Seeking The Lost

  

Luke 15: 1-10

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

15 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. ² But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

³ Then Jesus told them this parable: ⁴ “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? ⁵ And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders ⁶ and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ ⁷ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

The Parable of the Lost Coin

⁸ “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? ⁹ And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ ¹⁰ In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Jesus attempts to describe the relentless, powerful love that God has for us, stopping nowhere to show it to us and draw us to himself like a magnet. He searches for us as does the shepherd for his lost sheep, or the woman for her coin, as paltry as it is.  It doesn't matter the size nor the value, it's his and he wants it back.  What compelling images these are, what an irresistible love they attempt to describe!  How can we ignore that love? How can we let anything or any one stand between it and us? 

Bro. Rene

Lord God, I am thankful that I may come before you, confused, even puzzled at times at my failures and weakness in serving you. I know that if I seek forgiveness from my heart, I shall find it. You have assured me that even the angels in heaven rejoice over one sinner turning back to the Lord of love and forgiveness.
Hear my prayer, Lord, look not at my failures, but at my heart that desires to be one with your grace and call. Let me honor you in word and deed, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

 

  Rev. Herbert Yost, C.S.C.