The Lord’s love for the sinner is radical, absurd, yes, illogical to human reason. To leave 99 sheep in the wilderness makes no sense to us. No human being who counts the cost would ever do such a thing. It’s not worth it. The cost is too high. Yet, Christ’s passion for your soul is just that great.
And, you also, who are loved in such radical, illogical, and ridiculous ways by your God show your faith toward Him and your love to others. What man gives up his Sunday morning of relaxation or productivity to sit in a church and he invites others to do the same? I’ll tell you who: it’s you. You know that the Holy Church is the only place where God has located gifts of forgiveness for you.
What husband and wife take on the certain economic drain of having children? I’ll tell you who: you do. You know that you were made in the image of God. As God sacrificially created out of love for others, so you sacrificially procreate out of this same love.
And the Lord’s love for you is steadfast. Consider the woman with the lost coin in this parable. She is in a frenzy to find that coin. Nothing else in the world matters to her at this point. So is Christ’s frenzied passion for your soul.
But, just how did your soul become lost? After all, just as the forefathers of our country are stamped on our coins, is not God’s image stamped upon you? The first man Adam would bear the image of God. Yet, he did not remain in this state. And all mankind descends from Adam. So the prophet tells us, “All we like sheep have gone astray.” The roaring lion tears lambs away from the flock. St. Peter warns us, “Brethren, be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour; whom resist steadfast in the faith.”
And like a sheep, you have strayed and can no longer find your way back. You wander until you finally become the lion’s prey. You are like the coin that had been lost. It cannot find itself, but must lie there until if finally corrodes to pieces. That’s how it is for man. By your own efforts, you can’t find your way.
But the Lord brings you back. Just as the woman swept the house until she found the coin, your Lord takes hold of the stern broom and rod of tribulation to bring you to repentance. Your cross is the broom by which the Lord sweeps out the filth and refuse of prideful arrogance. God brings you to repentance by your cross.
The woman lit a lamp to find this missing coin. The lamp is a light that exposes all darkness. The Divinity of God in human flesh is the light of your way. Blessed is he who follows the light of the divine Word. He will find the sanctified path to repentance. Blessed is he who lets his cross and tribulation be the cause of his repentance.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because he cares for you.” How much does He care for you? It’s well said that, in your valley of the shadow of death, Christ’s Cross is to be your comfort in which your Lord passed through His own valley of misery. He bears all your crosses. For the Son has suffered for you, given Himself to rescue you, died to save and restore you, reconciled and set you free. Jesus’ cross alone can vanquish your dark fears and sooth your every anguish.
How much does your God care for you? He pardons your iniquity and passes over your transgression. “He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in steadfast love.” He will again have compassion on you; He will tread your iniquities under foot. He will cast all your sins into the depths of the sea. He will sink your burdens of sin into the deepest sea. You know God’s gracious pardon and are cleansed from iniquity. Now you arise and live before God in righteousness and purity forever.
How much does your God care for you? He is never ashamed of you! He receives you and eats with you. You are not alone, but God chooses to eat with you. And, while the Pharisees and the scribes grumble against you, while your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers scoff and shun you for your repentance, your Lord never will. Whoever repents brings joy to the angels in heaven and to Christ Himself.
“I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous persons who need no repentance.” Having found His lost sheep, He places you on His shoulders and returns you to the home of His Heavenly Kingdom. He rejoices with all His friends and neighbors, even the whole company of heaven. He rejoices and so you also rejoice. Your life is His joy and when you are brought back to Heaven, you shall complete His rejoicing. He receives you and eats with you. He is never ashamed of you.
The Lord is not ashamed of you. But, you will yet continue to bear your crosses in this world. “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To Him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
The Peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Amen.
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