Lost sheep and good shepherds 

There are so many questions we could ask of a parable. Today is no exception. Why would a shepherd leave ninety-nine for one? It’s unreasonable and irresponsible, right? And what more, shepherds in first century Palestine did not have great reputations. Shepherding was a “despised trade,” so why does Jesus identify with it, and then ask his followers to do the same? 

It’s good to bring our questions to Scripture, as it expands our knowledge and intimacy with the text. But lest we lose ourselves in countless questions, it’s helpful not to wander too far from the face-value focus of the passage, which is “the certainty of searching and the celebration of finding.”

In other words, Jesus reveals two core promises here. First, if you feel stuck, lost, or alone, God is searching for you. Second, when you find each other, God won’t arrive chastising, mocking, or sneering. Rather he will embrace you at once, rejoicing as he carries you home. 

—Christopher Alt, SJ, is a Jesuit scholastic of the Midwest Province. He is a psychotherapist now studying theology at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University.

 

🔊 Read this
Please share the Good Word with your friends!