When have you lost something and searched to find it again? We all sometimes retrace our steps, trying to find something. Earlier today I was looking for my water bottle, asking myself where I last used it? Did I leave it in my car? Or my backpack? Or my office? Wondering when I can make time to go check the last place I remember seeing it? Sometimes I do track down the lost item! The feeling of true relief and joy when I have it in hand again is wonderful! I expect we all know that feeling.
Jesus tells some absurd parables about losing and finding in this week’s gospel. He is responding to grumbling religious leaders. The leaders judge Jesus and the less-than-respectable people who he is eating with. Tax collectors cheated people and cooperated with the Roman oppressors. Sinners disregarded the rules designed to show the people’s faithfulness to God. Jesus responds to the criticisms with a parable where a shepherd leaves 99 sheep together in the wilderness to search for just one that is lost. It is foolish to leave the others, but the shepherd knows that one sheep, alone and in danger, is in desperate need of returning to the flock.
Jesus also describes a woman spending precious oil to light her home as she searches for one lost silver coin. The woman is so impatient to find that lost coin, though it will surely turn up there in the house eventually. She doesn’t wait, but turns the house upside down, sweeping with the lights on until she finds it. Both the shepherd and the woman rejoice and celebrate when they find what is lost, inviting their neighbors to join in the celebration!
God’s commitment to us is a little absurd. God will come for us in the wildernesses we face. God doesn’t simply wait until we turn up, but actively moves in ways that help shed light on us and welcome us in. These parables remind us that God’s love and commitment to each of us and all of us is absurd, enthusiastic, impatient, and life-changing. God is not just concerned about the best and brightest of the flock. God is devoted all God’s children. No matter what.
Peace,
Alicia
weekly prayer | parables about lost sheep and coin in Luke 15