Luke 15: 1-10
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.
“Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Worthy of Seeking
I’m not the calmest person when it comes to misplacing things. When I can’t find something – keys? (in the entryway, Amanda) Readers? (on your head) Phone? (couch cushions) – I have a tendency to panic first and get methodical second. For me, today’s Gospel serves as both teachable moment and reminder. Jesus’ story of the woman and the one lost coin is a layered example of value, carefulness, and the importance in celebrating. In God’s eyes, I am not one of billion. I’m not even one of 10. I am one of a kind. I am invaluable. And when I’m lost – desolate, far from God, or perhaps “more of this world, than in it” – God is careful with me. God is methodical and intentional in calling me back. And when I am found? Just like the woman, God wants to party. I’m that cool! I’m that special! You are too. So don’t panic. We all get lost once in a while. Let’s be careful with each other and be careful with ourselves. God knows we are worthy of the seeking, and definitely worthy of the celebrating.
—Amanda B. Angaiak is the Director of Catholic Schools of Fairbanks, and President of Monroe Foundation, Inc. in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Prayer
God, we thank you for lighting the lamp. Your faith and love illuminate not just a path back to you, but to our friends and neighbors. May your joy be ours, as we open wide our arms of welcome.
—Amanda B. Angaiak
Pray with the Pope
