September 12th - Reflection

Time after Pentecost - Lectionary 24
Luke 15:1-10 (NRSV)
Lost sheep and 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
I can see this passage going at least two ways. Jesus finds me and I find Jesus. I think first off, that I'm so glad that Jesus came to find me. But there are times in life when I have left the flock and wandered off in my own direction. When I turned back towards the direction of Jesus, I thought I was going back to look for and find him. Yet to my surprise, the moment I turned around, there he was. There was Jesus even in the midst of my sin, ready to take me back to the flock and nurture me back to healthy life. Wow! What a discovery for me and what a discovery for Jesus. Jesus finds me and I find Jesus all at the same time. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, when I run off, shake me and please come to find me, so that when I turn back I may fall into your arms. --- Amen