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September 16, 2007 - 16th Sunday after Pentecost
Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him.
And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, "This fellow welcomes
sinners and eats with them." So he told them this parable: Which one of you,
having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine
in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it?
When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices.
And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them,
'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' Just so, I tell you,
there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine
righteous persons who need no repentance.
-- Luke 15:1-7
Parents often tell their children to "stay where you are" if they become lost.
This rule has benefited our family at least a few times as a child has wandered
from the group and was found as we retraced our steps, reunited with our frightened child.
This is a good rule of thumb for us as God’s children. Our shepherd is a good shepherd
who searches for us tirelessly and rejoices when we are found. When we feel lost
we don’t have to be afraid. We can only be open to being found confident that the
shepherd searches tirelessly.
If you are feeling lost stay where you are, keeping your heart and eyes open
to be found...and know a party will follow!
We pray: O God, overflowing with mercy and compassion, you lead back
to yourself all those who go astray. Preserve your people in your loving care,
that we may reject whatever is contrary to you and may follow all things that
sustain our life in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen
Lessons for the 16th Sunday after Pentecost:
- Psalm 51:1-11
- Exodus 32:7-14
- 1 Timothy 1:12-17
- Luke 15:1-10
Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible,
copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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