All of God’s sheep are valuable

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Have you ever felt like you were all alone in the world and then someone came up and put their arms around you. At that very moment, you are overwhelmed with joy and elation knowing that someone loves you and cares about you. Today’s Gospel reading (Luke 15:3-7) tells us to “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost.” Jesus, in his earthly ministry, cared for and loved sinners. He sought out sinners to bring them to God. His apostles were not righteous men, yet they became the foundation of the Christian church. Most of the people he met were “unclean” yet he still reached out to them. These sinners were lost in the world and Jesus put his arms around them. He embraced them with love and compassion. Shepherds cared very much for their sheep. If one was lost, the sheep’s life was in danger because sheep are a community creature needing the companionship of others. At the end of the day, God counts all his sheep to see if we are there. He is deeply saddened when one of his sheep drifts from the flock. But what greater joy does he have then to know that the lost sheep has returned to the flock. Every one of God’s sheep is valuable. No one sheep is more valuable then any other. He wants not only the righteous, but the unclean. God wants us all to join him in the kingdom of heaven, not just Catholics, everyone. We should not only pray for our own salvation, but for the salvation of everyone. It is important that we pray for all sinners and all who have not met Jesus. We should pray that they find a simple path to Jesus and to heaven.

A Simple Prayer Lord, Let your light shine through me that others may see your truth and love and find hope and peace in you. May I never doubt your love nor take for granted the mercy you have shown to me. Fill me with your transforming love that I may be merciful as you are merciful."

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon