THURSDAY 5 NOVEMBER
Luke 15, 1-10:
“If one of you has a hundred sheep and one of them is lost, does he not leave the ninety-nine in the field and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he carries it on his shoulders, very happy”.
The publicans and sinners listen while the Pharisees and scribes murmur.
I like to hear the words of Jesus who openly sides with the sinner represented by the lost sheep.
I like to contemplate also the reactions of Jesus provoked by this lost sheep:
1: Leave the ninety-nine in the field.
2: He goes in search of the lost sheep.
3: He does not stop until he finds it.
4: He carries it on his shoulders very happily.
5: He gathers his friends and neighbours together.
6: He invites them to celebrate the finding of his lost sheep.
I like to contemplate these reactions of Jesus because they immerse me in the infinite mercy of God the Father.
The Father wants us to be completely lost and is always looking for those who stray from the path.
Consider yourself a sheep and a shepherd today. Sheep because you need the mercy of the Good Shepherd. And shepherd because you too must seek out your lost brothers and sisters.
Good day.
Antonio Maria Sanjuan Marin, cmf