Reflection: Seeking the Lost Sheep

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

Jesus addressed this parable to the Pharisees and scribes: "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 placed the lost sheep on His shoulders, safe from harm, He took him home rejoicing.

"Like a shepherd, He feeds His flock; in His arms, He gathers the lambs, carrying them in His bosom, leading the ewes with care." Isaiah 40:11

When we turn away from the Lord, we go astray. Jesus never stops looking for us. He searches for us even when we don't want to be found. Then, at just the right moment, Jesus makes His Presence known to us. He desires to bring us back and heal us.

"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

Do you know any lost sheep, someone who has strayed off or walked away from the practice of the faith? How can you find them and bring them home?

Pray for them without ceasing.
Ask Our Lady to intercede for them.
Trust in God's love for them.
Invite the Holy Spirit to enlighten you.
Listen to why they walked away.
Invite them to Eucharistic adoration.
Gently share your faith with them.
Share a personal witness/testimony.
Invite them to go to Mass with you.
Give them a good Catholic book or movie
Never give up praying for them to return.

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