The parables of the lost sheep and lost coin

Gospel Reading: Lk 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 to them he addressed this parable. “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.”

Reflection: Joy in heaven over one sinner who repents

On this note Jesus concludes the para­bles of the lost sheep and lost coin.

Jesus regards finding a lost soul re­warding. His efforts are not wasted. He is sent by God to seek what is lost. Any­one who returns to him at the sound of his voice is enough reason to celebrate. He is willing to spend for this. A found soul is more valuable than the cost of the celebration. Jesus wants a complete count, no one missing from the flock.

The parables reveal the inner dynam­ics of Jesus. He cannot hide his feelings when he succeeds in his mission, like making a sinner turn away from sin.

It is not easy to lead other people to conversion. It needs much prayer and encouragement. No one changes for the better if one finds no support from God and the community.

Jesus invites us to conversion. He comes to us in his word. We may not be one of the 99 or 9. But we may be that precious one, not in the group, be­ing sought by him. Let us not give him a hard time goading us on. There will be much joy when we repent.

* * *

SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord,” ST PAULS,” 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Maka­ti City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.