Luke 15:1-10 Reflection ~
Years ago, I visited economically poor villages in multiple locations outside the U.S. through an amazing set of circumstances. Previous to this, I had the opportunity to see similar situations in the U.S. My observations with the local people from these encounters included that their faith was remarkably physically visible. Associated with their faith was extraordinary care and righteousness for each other. My reaction each time was an awareness that, compared to them, I was lost and weak. It did not take long to realize a desire for Jesus to help me on the journey toward what they had.
The Lost Drachma, by James Tissot (full-resolution painting) and more detail at the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Readings
Luke 15:1-10 – Scripture*
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
15 Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
3 So he told them this parable: 4 “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? 5 When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. 6 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.’ 7 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.
The Parable of the Lost Coin
8 “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? 9 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.’ 10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Luke 15:1-10 Reflection – Lost and Weak.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative payer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Luke 15 Bible passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.