Lost Sheep

‘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

Like me, some of us wander and are curious about what's around the next bend. That often leads to us getting lost, reminding us how we need our family and communities to bring us back home. And we need our good shepherd, Jesus, every day. We have seen in the past few years, how even the most safe and routine lives can be upended by a previously unknown disease. Many thought they could fight it alone and found themselves in grave danger. We are invited today to count on those who lead us and to care for those who are lost and need our care.

Gentle Shepherd, you seek the lost

the broken, the confused and all

who are self-assured and on the edge

of being lost and caught in snares.

Help us to care for the most vulnerable

help us to rely on your direction

and let you love be our guide and companion. Amen.