Today’s Scripture Readings

Gospel Reading

NRSV

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.’

There is an image in today’s Gospel that I find myself returning to again and again. A shepherd realises that one of his sheep is missing, and he goes searching for it. Among the hundred, he notices the one. The one matters.

There is something deeply comforting in that image. It speaks to me of the infinite, almost unimaginable love God has for each one of us, personally and intimately.

Even when we forget God, God does not forget us. Even when we become distracted, distant, or caught up in life, God remains with us, patiently waiting for us to turn again and discover a presence that has never left us.

And when the shepherd finds the sheep, Jesus tells us, “He lays it on his shoulders and rejoices” (Luke 15:5). Perhaps that is the image to stay with today. The sheep is found, loved and carried home.

There are times when life is difficult, when prayer feels empty, or when grief, illness, disappointment or uncertainty leaves us unsure of the way forward. Sometimes we simply need to allow ourselves to be found. To be lifted. To be carried. To be loved.

And God rejoices in finding us.

This beautiful parable also asks us to look around. Who might be feeling lost, forgotten or unseen? Perhaps we are also called to reflect something of the shepherd’s care, to notice those who may be feeling on the edges and to draw near. Sometimes it is through another person that we come to recognise something of God’s love for us. Our presence, our kindness and our willingness to notice can remind someone of a truth we all need to hear.

You matter. You are loved. You are worth finding.