Today’s Gospel Luke 15:1-10
The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus,
but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying,
“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
So Jesus addressed this parable to them.
“What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them
would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert
and go after the lost one until he finds it?
And when he does find it,
he sets it on his shoulders with great joy
and, upon his arrival home,
he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them,
‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’
I tell you, in just 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 of repentance.
“Or what woman having ten coins and losing one
would not light a lamp and sweep the house,
searching carefully until she finds it?
And when she does find it,
she calls together her friends and neighbors
and says to them,
‘Rejoice with me because I have found the coin that I lost.’
In just the same way, I tell you,
there will be rejoicing among the angels of God
over one sinner who repents.”
Today’s Gospel Reflection
In today’s Gospel from Luke 15:1-10, Jesus responds to the grumbling of the Pharisees and scribes, who criticize Him for welcoming tax collectors and sinners. With two vivid parables, He reveals the heart of God’s kingdom: a relentless pursuit of the lost and exuberant celebration upon their return.
Imagine a shepherd with a hundred sheep, leaving the ninety-nine in safety to search the wilderness for the one that strayed. When he finds it, he doesn’t scold but joyfully carries it home, inviting everyone to share in his delight. Or picture a woman who loses one of her ten silver coins; she lights a lamp, sweeps every corner, and upon discovery, gathers her friends to rejoice. These stories aren’t just about lost property or animals, they illustrate God’s profound love for each of us. No one is too far gone, no sin too deep, that the Father’s mercy cannot reach. Heaven erupts in joy over one repentant heart, more than over the self-righteous who need no change.
The key teaching here is God’s extravagant mercy and the value He places on every soul. It invites us to reflect: Have we wandered? Are we seeking the lost in our lives? Jesus calls us to emulate this divine compassion, extending welcome to those society overlooks. In a world quick to judge, let’s choose joy, forgiveness, and restoration. This Gospel warms our hearts, reminding us that we are cherished, pursued, and celebrated by God.
Let us pray: Loving Father, thank You for seeking us when we stray. Help us to rejoice in Your mercy and share it with others. May our lives reflect Your joyful pursuit of the lost. Amen. 🙏
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