Reading: Luke 15:1-10
Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to [Jesus.] 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 Have you ever been lost? There is fear, loneliness, a sense confusion, and feeling out of your comfort zone. We often feel this way when we are not physically lost, but when we feel lost in life. This happens during low points in our lives: times of difficulty, challenges, or change, whether it be our own doing or what life has given us. Either way, we often feel separated from the rest, alone, and even unworthy. Jesus changes that, he rejoices in finding the lost! His parables today show us at what length he will go to find those who are lost, love them, and bring them back to God. Just as the shepherd goes after the lost sheep, Jesus will always seek us out when we are lost and show us the way home. Like the woman who celebrates finding her lost coin, even though she has 9 more, God rejoices when even one who is lost is restored to faith. Take comfort in knowing that no matter how far we wander, or loose ourselves in this world, Jesus is continuously seeking us to bring us back to a rejoicing God! --Rev. Karla Leiby Prayer Glorious Creator, we give thanks for the promise of your abiding presence, for Jesus Christ who seeks us out when we are lost, for the Spirit that calls us to faith, and for God who rejoices each time we return to the safety of your love, mercy, and peace. Help us to always feel your presence whether we feel lost or not and open us up to the ways we can help others who feel lost. Amen.
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