REFLECTIONS TODAY

The care of the sheep is a rich source of theological imagery. The sheep must be protected from wild beasts, thieves, dangers, and inclement weather (Gn 31:39-40). The shepherd leads the sheep to green pasture and water, and protects them. This is precisely what God does for his people Israel. Thus, the Psalmist sings, “The Lord is my shepherd” (Ps 23:1).

Jesus’ parable of the Lost Sheep clearly points to him as the shepherd who goes after the lost one until he finds it. In the Synoptic Gospels, he is presented as the shepherd who looks after the sheep. When he sees the vast crowd, his heart is moved with pity for them, for they are like sheep without a shepherd (Mk 6:34). He shepherds the people by teaching them and multiplying bread to feed them. In John, moreover, Jesus reveals himself as the “Good Shepherd” (Jn 10:14) who acts in two ways: he is willing to lay down his life for his sheep, and he knows his sheep. Moreover, he “knows” his sheep. This knowledge involves love, which is the reason for his laying down his life for them.

GOSPEL • LUKE 15:1-10

The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So Jesus addressed this parable to them. “What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the 99 in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it? And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘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.

“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.”

SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2021,” ST. PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.