Matthew 18:12-14 Reflection ~
The parable of the lost sheep seems reversed in today’s reality, as ninety-nine seems lost to worldliness, not just the one. It is virtually impossible not to want the same as the now reversed ninety-nine. For instance, think about how overwhelmed our senses and emotions are with how wonderful it is to have desires fulfilled. However, our loving Father prefers that we become like a child willing to turn to Jesus with our “here I am Lord” to give. The Father wants you to let Jesus find you so that we can rejoice in the knowledge that we are not part of the lost. For us love, peace, and forgiveness are gifts of joy especially when they recycle.
The Good Shepherd by James Tissot. The full-resolution painting and more detail 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 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 Matthew 18 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.