Reading
Luke 15:1-10 (NRSV)
Parables of a lost sheep and a lost coin
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.
"Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.' Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Reflection
Parables of a lost sheep and a lost coin
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.
"Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.' Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Reflection
How uniquely loved each one of us is by God and by each other. The love we have for God is an individual love. Our love is deep and passionate and intense. This same love we have for God is reflected to those we deeply love around us. Oh, how our desires take us to all extreme actions to save and comfort and care for the one we love.
And again, how deep and wild is that love that God has for each one of us. God goes to all extremes to save each child. Goes to the extreme of giving the life of the Father's child in Jesus to save the lives of the children God created. How deep and wild is that love.
Then combine all of this passion into the Church and we find Love for the Creator, Redeemer, and Spirit and love for the Children in corporate combinations that will blow your mind. Love in action full of the Spirit and moving throughout heaven and earth. Love that is a power above all powers.
How uniquely loved each one of us is by God and by each other. What a force God has created and sustained and brought to life in Love. Thanks be to God!
Prayer
Lord, send me out this day to reflect even a portion of the love you have planted within me that all may see your great Light and come to you. --- Amen
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