Hi
We live in a very consumerist season which is caught up in simplifying duties with the use of disposable products. In the course of that ideology; we have often missed valuable experiences. For, we sometimes lose sight of what truly matters, while focusing on economics.
Unfortunately, people of faith have also succumbed to the throwaway, disposable ideology reflected in the ways we treat people. Though it may be unconscious; there are ways in which we seem to neglect the sick and hurting, the broken and lost in favour of perfection. I know I am guilty.
But in today’s Holy Nougat, we see Christ modeling something different. He speaks to the loss of a sheep by way of the sheep straying; and continued
“When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices.” Luke 15:5 NRSV
A few considerations
1. The shepherd KNEW how many sheep were entrusted and was accountable for the lost one(s)
2. When the sheep is discovered to be missing; the shepherd went in search of …
3. The shepherd carried the sheep; perhaps as much to prevent further straying as to protect the lost sheep
4. The shepherd rejoices when the sheep is found
Maybe that was what motivated ‘back bench’ in some faith practices; but I’m not sure that we have been faithful in going searching for those who have ‘gone astray’. Far often, we intentionally forget them, adding to the landfill of throwaways around us.
Fortunately, we also have been lost. And we may recall being sought and found by the Good Shepherd. Some of us are still very lost and will only come alive when found.
Can we therefore find it within our own selves to follow the Shepherd’s non-consumerist ways and cherish rather than discard? Thus, we choose to seek the strays in our space and help them find their way back? On God’s terms and timing?
Maybe it truly is impossible and is work for the Good Shepherd only; and not for us. But what if our unwillingness is an indication that we are the ones who are lost?
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
