36. God is looking for us to bring us home.

Not one of these little ones should perish

God is looking for us to bring us home. “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray. It is not the will of your heavenly Father that not one of these little ones should perish. “ Matthew 18:12–14

It’s so easy to stray. Countless wandering souls out there are lost, confused, and in search of the Shepherd. The reasons must be many: fleshly indulgence, lure of money, temptations to pride, anger, selfishness, confusion, and much else.

What today’s Gospel is not about is that people do stray; it’s about God’s desire to win them back. God is looking for us to bring us home. God says, “Not one of these little ones should perish”.

If the person strays from God, he becomes but an empty shell. That is the reality of our human condition.

So there remains only one way in which we can find happiness in life, and that is to give ourselves unto God out of love.

Only God can quench our desires. Only God can bring true joy and happiness into our lives.

Now, when a person is away and feeling empty inside, a decision has to be made. Will they turn from their sins and repent, or will they keep seeking satisfaction elsewhere?

One of the greatest obstacles to repenting of our sins and turning back to God is pride. It is hard to admit that we are sinners. It’s hard to admit when we have gone wrong.

More than anything, it’s hard to own up to what we have done and turn to God for His mercy and compassion.

Come Home To God

Today’s Gospel speaks especially to the sinner who has strayed from God. It gives us a picture of God Who is unusually approachable. It is the picture of God going out to look for the lost sheep. God is looking for us to bring us home.

We must learn that when God goes in search of our soul, and we finally get through, we need no longer be ashamed. God does not judge that person sitting in sorrow; rather, He rejoices and takes that soul back home.

Whenever we start to stray in life and give in to a life of sin. We must understand that i God is looking for us to bring us home.

The truth of the matter is, sin is humiliating. And facing humiliation is hard. But it’s also purifying. And if you’re willing to embrace that humiliation that comes from confessing your sin, endless amounts of freedom await. Especially in the form of God rejoicing and carrying you home. God says, “Not one of these little ones should perish”.

Think about the holy image of the Good Shepherd diligently searching for you.

Accept that God is reaching out to you. He is calling you to turn you back so He can restore and forgive you. God wants to lovingly carry you home.

Let fears of judgment dissolve. Humble yourself and recognise your sin. Confess your inability to conquer it alone. If you will, then the Good Shepherd’s heart leaps with joy as He gathers you up, carrying you to freedom.

Lets Pray

Jesus, my Shepherd, my Lord,

Your love and mercy are incomparable.

You are a God of utmost mercy.

Open my eyes to see You as You are and take away all fear in my heart.

Forgive me my sins, lift me up again, and carry me back home.

Thank you that you want no-one to perish.

Jesus, I trust in You.

Amen.

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I’m Paula Rose Parish — a former atheist of 21 years, Protestant pastor for over 40 years, and now a Catholic convert. After a powerful encounter where Jesus audibly called me to follow Him, my life was forever changed. I’ve ministered across Australia, the USA, and the UK, and today, I share my journey of faith, hope, and transformation.

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