Today’s Scripture Readings

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 neighbours, 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 people 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 neighbours, 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.’

How lovable am I? How desirable am I? Do I feel comfortable asking myself these questions? When we read today’s gospel, where do I place myself? Safe with the 99 or am I the beloved one, whom the Shepherd frantically seeks?

We are asked to believe, in the all-embracing love of God, for each of us. We can do nothing to deserve this love. It is freely given. All we need to do is have the humility to accept it and believe it. In the story, that Jesus shared with the listeners, the lost sheep and the lost coin are searched for and valued.

The challenge for each of us is to keep believing that we are searched for and valued. We need to lift our minds and hearts to receive this extravagant love and live accordingly.

A popular singer in recent times, Adele, has a line in one of her songs ‘I dare you to let me be your one and only, I promise I am worthy.’

Imagine that God is singing these words to me. Do I have the humility to step out in faith and to let God be my one and only?

Perhaps a mantra for today could be ‘open my heart to humbly believe in your love for me.’