Why so much emphasis on one lost Sheep and one Lost coin?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 31st Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 14:15-25*

*First Reading : Phil 3:3-8a*

*Why so much emphasis on one lost Sheep and one Lost coin?*

*1) 100 Sheep and 10 coins*

The Gospel of the day has two beautiful parables. The parable of the Lost Sheep and Parable of the Lost coin 

The Gospel does not say that the parable of the Sheep and parable of the Coins 

The word *LOST* becomes very important in both the parables. 

If so, why this so much emphasis on Lost things? 

*2) 99 and 9*

Two parables have these two numbers. 99 sheep which didn't lose the way and 9 coins which were not lost, but are safe 

There is hardly any emphasis on the 99 sheep or 9 coins. In fact there is a negative tone about these 99 and 9. It says *99 righteous who have no  need of repentance*

*3) 1 is Highlighted*

One lost sheep is highlighted and one lost coin is highlighted

Details are given about this one Lost thing

It also tells us the search undertaken for finding out the lost things and the reaction in finding the lost things 

So, once again lost of emphasis on the lost things and finding of it

*4) All of us are like lost coin and Sheep*

All of us live in our Human nature, which is frail and bound to fall 

There is weakness in all of us. None of us are perfect 

So we belong to the category of Lost Sheep and coin

*5) Why lost things are highlighted?*

So that we realise that we too are belonging to the same group

So that we may realise that God is in search of us 

So that we may realise that, God does not want any of us to be lost and be parished 

So that we may realise what should be our attitude when we become like lost sheep and lost coin

 

So that we may realise how important we are and  how much God values us 

*6) Lost and Found*

This is something unique to these parables

No one can explain the joy and the feelings when something valuable is lost and found again 

Losing and finding something valuable, makes the thing more valuable and important in our life 

*7) Lost and Found in Heaven*

The effect of Lost and found is very much in Heaven 

The Gospel says that *Lost and Found* is very much celebrated in heaven 

So it is an encouragement to all of us, who are lost in wordly things to realise our mistake and to find the holy and good things, which will make our life holy and blessed 

Am I ready to be found by the Lord, in Doing good things??

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*