Scripture Readings: Philippians 3:3–8a; Luke 15:1–10.
Brothers and sisters,
Today’s Gospel reveals something essential about God’s heart: God never resigns Himself to losing anyone.
Jesus tells us about a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to find the one that has gone astray. At first glance, this behavior seems unreasonable. Why risk so much for just one sheep?
But precisely because God does not think like an accountant. He does not measure a person’s worth by numbers. To him, each person is unique, irreplaceable, and worthy of being sought out.
What is remarkable about this parable is that the shepherd does not reproach the sheep he has found. He does not ask her why she strayed. He joyfully lifts her onto his shoulders.
This is the face of mercy: a God who does not begin by condemning, but by lifting us up.
In the first reading, Saint Paul tells us that he considers all his former advantages to be a loss compared to this incomparable good: knowing Jesus Christ.
In other words, what gives us value in God’s eyes is neither our titles, nor our merits, nor even our religious achievements. It is our living relationship with Christ.
And this must also transform the way we view others.
In our communities, in our families, and in the Church, we may sometimes be tempted to judge those who have drifted away, those who no longer practice their faith, or those who do not meet our expectations.
But Jesus asks us a question today: Are we more concerned with noting who has drifted away, or with seeking ways to bring our brothers and sisters back?
A truly Christian community is not one where no one strays. It is one where no one becomes indifferent to the fate of others.
And finally, there is this magnificent saying of Jesus: heaven rejoices over a single sinner who repents.
We often think that conversion begins with our own effort to return to God. But the Gospel reminds us that even before we return, God is already searching for us.
Let us ask today for the grace to allow the Lord to find us and to have, toward our brothers and sisters, some of his patience, tenderness, and mercy.
For, after all, holiness is not just about staying with the ninety-nine sheep. It is also about learning, with Christ, to care for the one that is missing.
Amen.
