Read Online
“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he
not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the
stray? And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more
over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray.”
Matthew 18:12–13
Jesus teaches us a powerful lesson using a familiar image: the
shepherd who discovers one of his sheep is missing, goes on a
diligent search, finds the lost sheep, and rejoices. The hard work
of searching through the hills and valleys is rewarded as soon as
the shepherd spots that one lost sheep in the distance. He quickly
runs to it, picks it up, and carries it back to the flock. While
that one sheep is not more valuable than any of the other
ninety-nine, there is great joy in finding the one that was
lost.
We are all that one lost sheep at various times in our lives.
Sometimes we stray just around the corner, while other times we
wander far from God. This image of the Good Shepherd diligently
seeking out the lost sheep teaches us two essential lessons. First,
when we wander away from God and fall into sin, it’s easy to forget
how much the Good Shepherd loves us. We might think that God is
disappointed or angry with us, but these are lies from the evil one
that deter us from turning back to God. Since we will always
struggle with sin in this life, we must have a clear image in our
minds of the Good Shepherd’s love. We must be keenly aware of the
passion, intensity, and determination with which He seeks us out.
He does not sit in judgment or condemnation. Like a loving parent,
His deepest desire is to find us and for us to allow Him to pick us
up and carry us back to His fold.
While this image is crucial for us to consider regarding our
personal sins and God’s love for us, it must also serve as a model
for how we relate to others when they sin. As we grow closer to God
and become more aware of His will and moral law, we might be
tempted to judge others, especially within our own families. Though
we must never downplay objective sin or become indifferent to the
sins of others, we must also reject the role of judge and jury.
Instead, we must become instruments of the Good Shepherd to those
around us. With Christ, our only intention should be to go out to
the lost, find them in their sin, love them despite their sin, and
offer to carry them home. We must never reject a person because of
his or her sin, even if the person remains obstinately attached to
it.
Reflect today on the burning compassion our Lord has for you, even
when you sin. Never hesitate to turn back to Him and allow Him to
carry you home, rejoicing all the way. Also, reflect on those you
know who have strayed from God. Perhaps they no longer attend Mass,
are living in an immoral relationship, vocally support something
contrary to the Gospel, or struggle with an addiction or sinful
attachment. Do not judge them—love them. Be an instrument of the
Heart of Jesus for them so that, through you, they may sense the
love Jesus has in His Heart for them.
My most compassionate Jesus, You are the Good Shepherd Who never
tires of pursuing Your straying sheep. Your deepest desire is to
bring them home. When I stray, help me to remember Your burning
love for me so that I will never hesitate to turn back to You. When
others around me stray, please give me Your Heart, dear Lord, so
that I may love them so deeply that You draw them out of their sin.
Jesus, I trust in You.
Image via Adobe Stock
Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.com
Copyright 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used
with permission via RSS feed.
Kommentare (0)
Melde dich an, um einen Kommentar zu schreiben.