In today’s Gospel, Jesus is talking about a lost sheep and a lost silver coin. In both instances it’s obvious that the missing item still has worth and value. I wonder how long we would search for a lost coin. A lost animal maybe, but a lost coin ? Yet in Jesus story, the search goes on until the lost are found and then there is a great celebration.
How long will God search for us until we are “found” ? Jesus is telling us that just as a sheep and a coin do not cease being a sheep and a coin, we are still precious to God no matter what are status might be. After all Jesus ate with sinners and tax collectors. He showed them, and us, that even as sinners we have great value to God.
Jesus is our example here. People today want to be loved and accepted. We need to draw them back to God by honoring their inherent worth and dignity. That doesn’t mean we water down our faith in order to connect with them. Nor do we turn a blind eye to some of their choices. Rather we love them just as Jesus did. This was his mission and he invites us to join with him.
St. Joseph, pray for us !
DeColores, Deacon Doug
