December 2, 2021

“Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’” (Luke 15: 3-6)

In this deeply touching parable there is no note of scolding or recrimination directed at the wayward sheep. The shepherd doesn’t lecture the lost lamb: “Do you realize how much I worried about you! Did you even think about the danger you were in?! Or how I had to leave your 99 brothers and sisters to come all this way to find you!?? I mean, what were you thinking!? Believe me, there are going to be consequences for your actions, young man.”

Instead, He joyfully puts the sheep on His shoulders and carries it home. The only consequence? A big party.

“O God, whose glory it is to always have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” (Second Sunday in Lent – BCP p. 218)