Let Jesus Find You – Matthew 18:12-14 Reflection
The parable of the lost sheep appears reversed in today’s reality, as ninety-nine seem lost to worldliness, not just the one. It is difficult to resist the urge to be influenced by the sensory overload of selfishness. For instance, consider how overwhelmed our emotions are when seemingly wonderful desires are fulfilled. However, our loving Father prefers that we become like children willing to turn to Jesus with our “here I am Lord” to receive and give. The Father wants you to let Jesus find you so you can rejoice that you are not part of the lost. Love, peace, and forgiveness are joyful gifts, especially when recycled to others who need what you have, not the negatives of worldliness.
The Good Shepherd by James Tissot. (full-resolution image of painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Matthew 18:12-14 – Scripture*
12 What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? 13 And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. 14 So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 18:12-14 – Let Jesus Find You.
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 experience 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 Matthew 18 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Let Jesus Find You
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.