In the first reading, Moses pleads on behalf of his sinful countrymen that God will forgive them and give them a chance to return to faithfulness. In the second reading, Paul praises the Lord who allowed him the opportunity to turn away from sin. “I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and arrogant, but I have been mercifully treated because I acted out of ignorance in my unbelief.”

   This week’s gospel has three Parables, all built around the theme of celebrating a sinner who turns back to God. In the first story, when a shepherd loses a sheep, he drops everything to retrieve it. When a woman misplaces a coin, she cleans the whole house to search for it. And when a wealthy father sees his wayward son walking home, he throws a blowout party. The joy and relief in the return of what has been lost is so overwhelming that the celebration is extended to include all.

  All of these stories are told in response to the Pharisees. The religious leaders are critical of a man who associates with those deemed harmful, those who exist outside the scope of appropriate society. Has this changed at all? Do you avoid “bad people” and situations with sinners, because you are afraid they lead to sin? Or do you view these encounters as an opportunity to be and give love?

  The first of the three parables is actually rather humorous if you think about it. Jesus asks the rhetorical question. “Who among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it?” If we are to answer that question, we might look at Jesus in astonishment, and say, “No one would ever do that, that is ridiculous.” But God’s love is rather ridiculous, for it is merciful. One way to define mercy is “kindness beyond what is expected in a given situation.” The three beautiful stories of God’s love for sinners like us is limitless and unmatched. In these stories, the worth of the lost item increases from a sheep to a coin to a son. Likewise, the worth of each person only increases in God’s eyes. And finally, God’s love is a rejoicing love. God’s response upon finding us is total joy—with no admixture of rebuke.   

By Deacon Faiva Po’oi