麻豆约拍

Good morning. 聽聽This week I鈥檇 like to focus on the parables of Jesus, which are deceptively simple. Although they speak of everyday events, they defy simplistic interpretations. Instead, they can open up for us a whole world of meanings, reflecting our own life back to us, touching on our biggest questions and inviting a richer reflection on the world around us.

In one well-known parable, Jesus says, 鈥樷�榃hich one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, 鈥淩ejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.鈥�

The thing about parables like this is that we can imagine ourselves to be any one of the characters, depending on our circumstances or priorities. Are we the one striding out in search of a lost dream, or a distanced friend, or an unfinished project? Or are we the one feeling a little lost, struggling to find our way back to a familiar path, disoriented in an unfamiliar landscape? Or perhaps the parable is simply inviting you to feel joy at the sense that you are, indeed, worth seeking out, precious and beloved. Carry this little story around with you this coming day and see what new things it may bring you.

O God, our Good Shepherd, seek us out when we feel lost and bring us home. May we feel secure in your love so that we too may bring comfort to the lost and lonely. Amen.