The Parable of the Lost Sheep
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Then Jesus told them this parable: “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? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 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.
What Does the Parable of the Lost Sheep Mean?
The meaning is simple yet profound: lost humans need a loving, personal Savior. Jesus taught this lesson three times in succession to drive home his meaning. God deeply loves and cares personally for us as individuals. We are valuable to him and he will seek far and wide to bring us back home to him. When the one who was lost returns, the Good Shepherd receives him back with joy, and he does not rejoice alone.
Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep to show that the Kingdom of God is accessible to all, even those who were sinners or strayed from God’s path.
He uses the example of a shepherd (God) who has 100 sheep and one goes missing.
The shepherd leaves the 99 others and searches high and low for the lost sheep.
Jesus stresses that when the shepherd finds the lost sheep he rejoices over it more than the 99 who did not go astray.
This is how God will rejoice when a sinner returns to Him.
“I tell you, in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need to repent”. (Matthew 18:10-14, Luke 15:3-7)
THOUGHT
God is merciful. He wants us to repent of our sins and follow his Son’s Gospel teachings. Like the one lost sheep, when we do it, heaven will celebrate.
REFLECTION
Lord Jesus, guide those burdened by their sin and trapped in life’s material world, to your loving mercy. May they find peace and joy in your Son’s teachings and a friendly welcome in our Church.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father ,Lord of the harvest,
your Word finds a home in our heart,
calls us into community, and invites us to generous service of the human family.
Bless with courage and spirit your priestly people,called to full participation in the one Body of Christ.May many choose to respond in public service to your call offered in Jesus’ name.Amen.
Sol.Neelima Singh