Daily Word Of God
Luke 15:1-7
The tax collectors and sinners were all seeking the company of Jesus to hear what he had to say, and the Pharisees and the scribes complained. ‘This man’ they said ‘welcomes sinners and eats with them.’
So he told this parable to them: ‘What man among you with a hundred sheep, losing one, would not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the missing one till he found it? And when he found it, would he not joyfully take it on his shoulders and then, when he got home, call together his friends and neighbours, “Rejoice with me”, he would say “I have found my sheep that was lost.”
‘In the same way, I tell you, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one repentant sinner than over ninety-nine vittuous men who have no need of repentance.’
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- In today’s Gospel the scribes and Pharisees were scandalized by Jesus’ association with sinners who were drawn to Jesus and to hear Him speak about God’s mercy.
- Jesus tells a story about a lost sheep and the shepherd’s joy when he finds it. This reminds us that we too must persistently pray for and help those who have gone astray, to return to God.
- God welcomes repentant sinners. There is much rejoicing when a sinner returns to God. Likewise, we must never condemn them; instead help them to deepen their love for God.