Reflection: The Good Shepherd and the Lost Sheep

In the Parable of the Lost Sheep, Jesus spoke of a hundred sheep and one of them strayed. The Good Shepherd left the ninety-nine sheep and went out in search of the one who was lost.

So Jesus addressed this parable to them, "What man 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? And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, 'Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.'"  Luke 15:3-6

Jesus is continually looking for you, always searching for you. He desires to find you, heal your wounds and love you.

I Myself will pasture My sheep; I Myself will give them rest. The lost I will search out, the strays I will bring back, the injured, I will bind up and the sick, I will heal. Ezekiel 34:15-16

Has it been a while since you have been to Confession?

When you walk away or stray away from Jesus and from the Sacrament of Reconciliation, you are that lost sheep. When you turn to Him and receive His forgiveness at the Throne of Mercy, all the angels rejoice because you have repented, you have been found.

And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy.  Luke 15:5

Jesus placed the lost sheep on His shoulders. Safe from harm, He took him home rejoicing.

Do not be afraid to go to Confession even if it has been a long time. Ask Our Lady to accompany you. Jesus is waiting for you to come. He wants to forgive you, heal you and pour out His Love and Mercy upon you. Then He will embrace you tenderly and carry you home.

For the Son of Man has come to seek and save that which was lost.  Luke 19:10