Rejoicing Over the One Who Was Lost

Rejoicing Over the One Who Was Lost

Reflection on Luke 15:3-7

In Luke 15:3-7, Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep—a story simple in its imagery but rich in meaning. A shepherd leaves ninety-nine sheep in the open field to search for one that has gone astray. When he finds it, he lifts it onto his shoulders with joy, calls his friends and neighbors, and invites them to rejoice with him.

This parable reveals the boundless mercy and love of God. While human logic might suggest that one lost sheep isn’t worth the risk or trouble, divine logic is different. God does not measure worth by numbers or efficiency, but by love. Each soul is precious, irreplaceable, and deeply cherished.

In the life of the Church, we are called to mirror the heart of the Good Shepherd. Whether it is a family member who has drifted from faith, a friend lost in despair, or a stranger overlooked by society, we are invited not to judge or abandon, but to seek and to love. God’s joy is not complete with just the ninety-nine—it is the return of the one that sets heaven rejoicing.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation beautifully echoes this parable. Every time we turn back to God, even after straying, He meets us with joy, not condemnation. It reminds us that our worth does not diminish when we sin, and that God’s mercy is always ready to restore us.

Key Takeaway:
God’s love is deeply personal. He rejoices more over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine who do not stray. Let us never underestimate the value of one soul—especially our own.