Elia1,Sept.16,Lk.15:1-7,Parable of the Lost Sheep

 Jesus speaks about the joy that is felt by God when a sinner repents of his sins and  returns to Him. Jesus explains this through the parable of the Lost Sheep.A shepherd searches for his lost sheep and  feels extremely happy when he finds it.So too there will be joy in heaven when a sinner repents and comes back to God.This parable was spoken when the Pharisees and scribes accused Jesus of his association with sinners.They found it unacceptable that Jesus was welcoming sinners and eating with them.

Jesus makes it clear that he is not going to reject sinners but will accept them and love them.He wants them to be saved and not to be rejected and condemned.

What a source of comfort and consolation this saying of Jesus is for each one of us.We are not going to be rejected and abandoned just because of our sins. He will forgive us and offer his love for us.

Often we are caught in the web of our guilt feelings and feel ourselves condemned and guilty because of our sins.But through this parable Jesus offers us hope and peace.This is the joy that Christianity offers us.

Navarre Commentary: "In the face of our weakness,God does not stand idly by:he goes out in search of what is lost and makes every effort to find it....Meditation on this passage will help us to be optimistic and confident."

St.Therese of Lisieux: "What joy to remember that Our Lord is just;that he makes allowances for all our shortcomings, and knows full well how weak we are.What have I fear to then?Surely the god of infinite justice  who pardons th eprodigal son with such mercy will be just with me."