Phil 3:3-8a
Ps 105:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
Lk 15:1-10 Full Readings
Saint Didacus
The Joy for a Repentant Sinner
Today's Gospel presents to us two parables: the parable of the lost sheep and the parable of the lost coin. These parables are all in the context of welcoming sinners, because Jesus told them when the Pharisees asked him why he associated with sinners. These parables pass the same message, that there is joy in heaven when a sinner repents, this also presupposes joy in the church here on earth.
Brethren, humanly speaking, the parables of the gospel reading seem senseless and illogical. It is scarcely wise and logical for the shepherd to leave the 99 sheep to predators and thieves while he goes scouring the rocky ravines looking for one disobedient sheep. What's more shocking is that he throws a party and even slaughters more sheep than the one he was looking for. Who can do this for just finding a mere sheep? In another case one can picture the woman sweeping out the dusty earth floor of the ill-lit single room (no windows). The lack of balance is surely that the party for the neighbours will cost more than the single coin recovered. This is very illogical, but why does Jesus tell these parables? As per Jesus’ teaching, God’s logic is totally different from human logic. God is more interested in the repentance and conversion of even one sinner than in the holiness of the many righteous people who have no need of repentance. As children of God and followers of Christ we should seek for the conversion of sinners at all costs. The salvation of souls should be our utmost priority.
These parables show that God is concerned and cares for every one of us individually. God does not delight in the death of even one sinner and so has to make sure everyone one is not lost. The love of a shepherd for his sheep represents the love of God. A shepherd can look for a sheep which may have lost its way out of ignorance but for us we have conscience with freedom and deliberately decide to sin, but God looks for us still. What great love it is! We however need to respond to his voice when he is looking for us.
It is worth remarking that in both cases the initiative comes from the shepherd and housewife respectively. We do not save ourselves, and repentance is a favour of God. We however need to cooperate with God in saving us, because it is unfortunate when he comes looking for us and we hide the more. I tell you it is joy not only in heaven but also with ourselves and the whole church when we again unite with God.
Reflect today on the love of God and your readiness to listen to the voice of God as he looks for you. Reflect also on the joy that is experienced when you are reunited with God again and how you long for it.
Let us Pray
Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner. As such, I am so grateful to you for patiently and continuously offering your mercy to me. May I neither despair of, nor presume of, your mercy. Increase my reliance upon your grace to strengthen me in the face of temptation and difficulties. Also help me to be your instrument to communicate your goodness to souls in need of your mercy. Amen
Be blessed
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