S&F-Give Up 99 for 1

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?"

-Luke 15

I think I might have written about this bible passage in the past, but I heard I take that I don't think I ever thought of before.

This is a very familiar passage to me, and for as long as I have heard it I have struggled with it.  Why would anyone leave 99 sheep, risking losing them, just to go after one?  That's bad risk analysis.  The shepherd should monitor the 99 and protect them from getting lost and the other hazards they may run into from other shepherds trying to lead them astray or wolves trying to outright take them for their own.  It really makes no sense.

I always though I was part of the 99.  But this week I put myself in the role of the lost sheep.  I would be afraid out there on my own, looking for my master.  Hoping beyond all hope that he won't give up on me.  Looking for his love and protection.

I think I am the one lost sheep.  Jesus is out there with the fence open calling me.  I am trying to find my way home.  I hope I am heading the right way.  It is through a journey of hope, faith, repentance and most especially the Eucharist that I am looking for my master.  Someday I hope he will welcome me home, opening the gate and we can be together in Heaven.