"So, Jesus addressed this parable to them. “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?" (Luke 15:4)

For the ones that have distanced themselves from God's love, today's Gospel reading is a reminder of His desire to unite those that have lost their way in the world. We read that there is no greater joy than when a person finds his way back into the arms of Jesus. "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 (Luke 15:6-7). 

At times in our life, most of us have seen ourselves in the parable of the "lost sheep or coin." Maybe today, some of us are feeling lost and distant from God. Perhaps you or someone close to you have strayed from attending weekly Mass or given up on being Catholic altogether? I hope and pray today that whoever has lost their faith will return to the larger spiritual body of the Catholic faith. If it is a friend or family member, encourage those who have lost faith by inviting them back to Mass and continue praying for the renewal of their hearts. Don't give up on those that seem lost, and remember that God has not given up on any of us. I am sure a few people around me thought I was a hopeless case, but through God's grace, some encouraging friends, and a particular family member, I returned to my faith with a zeal like never before. It was a long battle for me, but I can now see God was searching my heart while never giving up on me. 

Pope Francis beautifully reflects on these parables and writes: "God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy. Christ, who told us to forgive one another 'seventy times seven (Mt 18:22), has given us his example: he has forgiven us seventy times seven. Time and time again, he bears us on his shoulders. No one can strip us of the dignity bestowed upon us by this boundless and unfailing love."[1] Today reflect on God's mercy and love remembering He will never give up on any of us.

“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” (Luke 15:8-10).

[1] Pope Francis, Apost. Exhort. Evangelii Gaudium, no. 3.

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