Lost Sheep

Jesus said, “Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven. What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost. “If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:10-20

Loving Creator you seek the lost

you call us to take care of little ones

you are always with the poorest of us

and standing with the outcasts and abused.

The world is a dangerous and confusing place 

we often get lost and turned around crying out

we often give up hope that we cannot be heard

but you hear us and call you angels to come to us.

We live in times where the dangers are within

our hearts are hardened to the needs of others

we think only of ourselves as move about

yet still you call us to healing and reconciliation.

Let our hearts be broken open again, Lord

make our hands and bodies useful for you

give us strength to reach out to the outcasts

and gather the lost and forgotten in your name. Amen.