Gospel (Mt 18,12-14): At that time Jesus said to his disciples: What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go after the one that is lost? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that one of these little ones should be lost.

 

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The Gospel of Matthew 18:12-14 presents us with one of the most beautiful and meaningful parables of Jesus, which reveals the depth of God's love for each of his children. This text, brief in words, is rich in teachings and invites us to reflect on the importance of mercy, caring for others and the divine joy of conversion.

The story begins with a rhetorical question from Jesus: “What do you think?” This beginning not only involves the listeners in the story, but also challenges them to reflect on their own attitudes. By presenting the image of the shepherd who has a hundred sheep and leaves the ninety-nine to look for one that is lost, Jesus provokes a sense of surprise. After all, for many, leaving the majority in search of one might seem irrational or even irresponsible. However, this is exactly divine logic: the importance of each individual’s life surpasses any human calculation.

 

The Lost Sheep: A Symbol of Love and Mercy

The lost sheep represents those who stray, who lose their way, who, through weakness or carelessness, stray from the community. In Jesus’ time, sheep were highly valued, not only as a source of food or profit, but also as an essential part of the rural economy. Thus, the shepherd’s care for his sheep symbolizes God’s dedication and love for each one of us. God is not indifferent to those who are lost; on the contrary, He sets out to seek out those who have strayed.

Another central point of the passage is the joy over the sheep that has been found. Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, he will rejoice over this one more than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.” This joy does not mean that the other sheep are less important; on the contrary, it highlights God’s emphasis on restoring those who are in a situation of vulnerability or sin. God rejoices over the conversion, over the return of those who were lost. This return is a cause for celebration in heaven, because it demonstrates the power of God’s grace and the positive response of human beings to God’s love.

 

The Challenge of Being a Pastor

The shepherd’s attitude contrasts directly with many human practices. How often do we, in our relationships, abandon those who have failed, exclude those who stray, ignore those who are lost? Too often, we are quick to judge and slow to offer a helping hand. Jesus, however, challenges us to adopt the shepherd’s perspective, to be supportive and welcoming, to seek out those who are lost instead of condemning them. This is the invitation of the Gospel: that we may be agents of divine mercy in the world.

As the passage concludes, Jesus reaffirms God’s will: “In the same way, it is not the will of your Father in heaven that any of these little ones should perish.” This statement reinforces the universality of God’s love. All are precious in God’s eyes, and none are beyond His mercy. This is a message of hope, especially for those who feel distant from God or community. It reminds us that it is never too late to return, that there is always joy in being reunited with the Lord.

 

Community Responsibility

In a broader context, this passage also invites us to reflect on our community responsibility. The lost sheep can be seen as a brother or sister who is facing difficulties, whether spiritual, emotional or material. As a Christian community, we are called to be shepherds of one another, to step out of our comfort zone and seek out those who need support. This can be manifested in simple gestures, such as a word of encouragement, or in more concrete actions, such as offering practical help to those in need.

Furthermore, we are invited to create welcoming spaces in our communities. Churches and Christian groups can play a vital role in offering emotional and spiritual support to those who are estranged. Missionary work, for example, is a concrete way to seek out the “lost sheep” and bring them back to the fold. These actions are a way to experience God’s love and spread His message of hope and reconciliation.

 

Personal Reflection: Letting Yourself Be Found

However, this text can also be understood in a personal way. Each of us, at some point in our lives, is the lost sheep. In our mistakes, in our moments of weakness, God seeks us out with patience and love. He does not abandon us to our fate; on the contrary, He seeks us out, often through people, situations or inner inspirations. When we allow ourselves to be found by Him, we experience the joy of reunion and the peace that only His love can offer.

This passage is also echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) and the Parable of the Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10). All of these narratives emphasize God’s joy at the conversion and return of those who were lost. They teach us that God is a merciful Father who always awaits us with open arms, ready to celebrate our return.

Furthermore, it is important to recognize that the act of “letting ourselves be found” requires humility. Often, we resist acknowledging that we are lost, whether out of pride, fear, or shame. However, the experience of divine grace is only complete when we open ourselves to God’s love and mercy, recognizing our limitations, and trusting in His providence.

 

Divine Joy for Conversion

The shepherd’s joy at finding the lost sheep is a powerful image that symbolizes God’s unconditional love. This divine joy reflects a Father who goes to great lengths to reach out to His children and celebrate their restored lives. When a person turns to God, there is a spiritual celebration that transcends any human limit. This perspective should inspire us to value and support moments of conversion in the lives of those around us.

As Christians, we are called to share in this divine joy. This means not only welcoming those who return to faith, but also witnessing the transforming power of God’s love in our own lives. This joy is contagious and can be a means of inspiring others to also seek reconciliation with God.

 

Building Communities of Forgiveness and Reconciliation

For this joy to be complete, it is essential that our communities be spaces of forgiveness and reconciliation. Often, those who leave do so because of painful experiences, whether inside or outside the church. By building a culture of welcome, we show that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love. This can include practices such as confession, spiritual retreats, and open dialogues that promote emotional and spiritual healing.

Furthermore, the example of the shepherd seeking out the lost sheep challenges us to be proactive in our mission. It is not enough to wait for those who have strayed to return; we must reach out to them with compassion and empathy, showing them that they are loved and valued.

 

Practical Application

To apply the teachings of this Gospel to our daily lives, we can ask ourselves: Are we willing to seek out those who have lost their way? Do we have the courage to leave our comfort zone to help others? Do we joyfully celebrate the return of those who have been lost, or do we harbor resentment and judgment? These questions can help us align our attitudes with those of Christ and live more authentically the call to mercy and love.

In addition, we can adopt practices that reflect the values presented in this Gospel. For example:

1. Acts of charity: Engage in activities that promote inclusion and care for the marginalized.
2. Spiritual support: Offer prayers and words of comfort to those who are facing difficulties.
3. Empathy: Try to understand the circumstances that led someone to walk away, rather than judging their choices.
4. Reception: Create an environment in your community where everyone feels welcome, regardless of their background.

These actions, no matter how small they may seem, can have a significant impact on someone's life and help build a more caring and compassionate community.

 

Conclusion

In short, the Gospel of Matthew 18:12-14 is an invitation to conversion, solidarity and the celebration of God’s love for each one of us. It reminds us that no one is lost forever and that the Father’s joy is complete when we allow ourselves to be found. May we, inspired by this passage, be instruments of reconciliation and hope in the world, reflecting God’s tireless love in our lives.

Finally, Jesus’ call in this Gospel is an opportunity to rethink our actions and attitudes. Let us be like the shepherd who searches for the lost sheep, and remember that God never gives up on any of His children. May each of us be a reflection of divine mercy, living and spreading the love that restores, welcomes and transforms lives.