There will be rejoicing among God’s angels over one sinner who repents

Phil 3:3-8a; Psalm: 104; Lk 15:1-10

In today’s Gospel, we find two parables told by Jesus to illustrate the importance of seeking out the lost and rejoicing when they are found. The chapter begins with the Pharisees and scribes grumbling about Jesus eating with sinners and tax collectors. In response, Jesus tells them the parable of the Lost Sheep, where a shepherd leaves his 99 sheep to go after the one lost sheep until he finds it. He then rejoices when it is found, claiming that there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous people who do not need to repent.

This parable is a beautiful illustration of God’s love for humanity. Like the shepherd who leaves his flock to find the one lost sheep, God is willing to go to great lengths to seek out those who have strayed from Him. The image of the shepherd carrying the lost sheep on his shoulders back to the fold is a powerful reminder of God’s grace and mercy towards His children. It shows us that no matter how lost we may feel, God is always there, ready to bring us back into His loving embrace.

In the second parable, the Lost Coin, Jesus tells of a woman who loses a valuable coin and searches diligently until she finds it. When she does, she calls her friends and neighbors together to rejoice with her. This parable, like the first, emphasizes the joy that comes from finding something that was lost. In the same way, there is great rejoicing in heaven when a sinner repents and returns to God.

Both parables highlight the importance of seeking out the lost and rejoicing when they are found. They remind us that every person is valuable in the eyes of God and that no one is beyond His reach. As Christians, we are called to follow the example of the shepherd and the woman in diligently seeking out those who have strayed from the faith and helping them find their way back to God.

Today Gospel serves as a powerful reminder of God’s love and compassion for His children. It challenges us to reach out to those who are lost and to rejoice when they are found. As we reflect on these parables, let us remember that no one is beyond God’s grace and mercy and that there is always hope for reconciliation and redemption. Let us be instruments of God’s love in the world, seeking out the lost and rejoicing when they are found.