We are a joyful community of disciples proclaiming the Good News and inviting all people to encounter the love and mercy of Jesus Christ.
“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?"
(Luke 15:4)
Finding Your Way
In today’s Gospel reading, the Pharisees and scribes were questioning why Jesus associated with sinners. In response, he told them that there is more joy in heaven when a sinner repents than there is over 99 righteous people. That statement by Jesus was made to once again illustrate to the Pharisees and scribes that they just didn’t “get it.” In their non-stop attempts to prove Jesus was not the Messiah, they once again were set straight.
So just what is Jesus telling us about sinners? He illustrates his point further when he asks the Pharisees and scribes if someone had a hundred sheep and lost one, wouldn’t they look tirelessly for the lost one and celebrate finding it?
We should listen closely to Jesus, because we are all sinners. If we're not currently lost and on the right path, that’s wonderful, but it's comforting to know that when we lose our way, Jesus will seek us out and offer a hand to guide us back in the right direction. He won’t forget about us or ignore us. He will actively search for us.
So just what is Jesus telling us about sinners? He illustrates his point further when he asks the Pharisees and scribes if someone had a hundred sheep and lost one, wouldn’t they look tirelessly for the lost one and celebrate finding it?
We should listen closely to Jesus, because we are all sinners. If we're not currently lost and on the right path, that’s wonderful, but it's comforting to know that when we lose our way, Jesus will seek us out and offer a hand to guide us back in the right direction. He won’t forget about us or ignore us. He will actively search for us.
Do I seek out friends, co-workers or family members who have lost their way?
Dear Jesus, help me keep open avenues of communication with friends, co-workers, and family members, especially those who have lost their way, not so I may criticize them, but so I may lead them back into your loving arms. Amen.
Reflection by:
Tom Mohrbach is a parishioner at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in New Port Richey and co-chair of their Spirituality Ministry. He is a retired police officer and lifelong Catholic.