Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!

 

 Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him.  And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, "This Man receives sinners and eats with them."  So He spoke this parable to them, saying:  "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?  And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.  And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'  I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

"Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp. sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it?  And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!'  Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

 

- Luke 15:1-10 

 

Yesterday we read that now great multitudes went with Jesus.  And He turned and said to them, "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.  And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.  For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it -- lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.'  Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?  Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace.  So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?  It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out.  He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" 

Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him.  And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, "This Man receives sinners and eats with them."  My study bible explains that for pious Jews, fellowship with sinners was defiling to them.  Tax collectors were Jews who worked for the Roman occupiers among the Jewish community, frequently extorting extra income for themselves. Jesus replies with three parables; in today's reading, we are given two of them in the verses that follow.

So He spoke this parable to them, saying:  "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?  And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.  And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'  I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance."  In patristic literature, there is a spiritual interpretation given for this parable, in which the hundred sheep represent all rational creation.  The one sheep who goes astray symbolizes humankind, while the ninety-nine (a symbolic number)  represent the angelic realm.  The man, of course, is Christ, who in His Incarnation descended from heaven to pursue the one sheep -- human beings -- who had fallen into corruption on earth.  In another interpretation, Christ, unlike earthly shepherds, sees such value in one sheep that He will leave the others at risk in order to save it.  In that understanding, the ninety-nine sheep represent the righteous who remain faithful to God. 

"Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp. sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it?  And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!'  Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."  My study Bible explains that ten silver coins comprise a single necklace worn by a married woman; that is, a bride, which is an image of the Church (Ephesians 5:32).  The lost coin (called a drachma in the Greek), which carried the image of the king, is a symbol of humankind, who, through bearing the image of God, fell from grace.  Through the Church, my study Bible says, Christ enlightens the world, sweeps away sin, and finds His lost creation.  

If we read today's reading with the images in mind from the teachings of Jesus in yesterday's reading, we juxtapose the tremendous efforts Christ makes to save human beings together with His teachings on the demands of discipleship.  If we do that, we're compelled to view the demands of becoming one of Christ's disciples as revealing the extraordinary importance to God of this salvation mission by Christ.  In that sense, it is worthy of every sacrifice -- and this includes, of course, not only the sacrifices asked in discipleship, but even the sacrifice which Christ Himself will make on the Cross.  Think of the Son, the Second Person of the Trinity, fully God, consenting to become fully human and live through the experience of what it is to bear God's holiness into this world, and suffer the responses of corruption carried out against Him.  We keep in mind St. Paul's admonition that "we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12).  In so doing, we come to understand the great challenge given to Christ to become a human being and enter into our world.  The message of His own willingness to sacrifice must be seen as another tremendous indication of the central importance of this saving mission in the sight of God, and for the entirety of creation.  These parables in today's reading (and the parable of the Prodigal Son, which we will read in tomorrow's lectionary reading), emphasize the overwhelming sense of importance for Christ's mission, and convey to us even more deeply the love of God that would seek out that which is lost to God.  These parables seem to suggest to us that, for God, His creation is not complete unless all of His creation is with God, saved in this sense. If the man with the one hundred sheep is Christ, and if the woman represents the Church, then the One who will not stop seeking until all is found is God, and we might even be able to understand God's intense and unyielding love as that which desires us even more deeply than we know our own desire can be.  For these parables tell us of extraordinary action to seek, and deep unsatisfaction until that which is lost is found.  In the Old Testament, we read the words God has spoken proclaiming that God is a jealous God (Exodus 20:4-6; Deuteronomy 5:8-10).  Let us understand, moreover, that the word translated as "jealous" can also mean "zealous."  Either case gives us unambiguously the kind of love that God feels for us, and that God will not rest unless every means has been tried to bring us, God's beloved, back to God.  It's important to understand from the text, however, that the means back to home, to God's embrace, is repentance.  Let us take courage with this knowledge in that, no matter what we think we see around us in the world, and the disappointments of those who have let us down, God's love knows no boundaries to bring all back to God's place of love.   In John's Gospel, Jesus tells the disciples, "Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me" (John 16:32).  And so this is the fullness of God's love for us, for God is always with us, always seeking to bring us back who were lost, always searching to find those of us who are lost but never abandoned.

Assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray

 

 "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.  For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.  What do you think?  If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?  And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.  Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

"Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.  If he hears you, you have gained your brother.  But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.'  And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church.  But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and tax collector.  Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.  Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.  For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."

 

- Matthew 18:10-20 

 

Yesterday we read that, after Christ's second prediction of what will come about in Jerusalem, the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"  Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.  But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.  Woe to the world because of offenses!  For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!  If your hand or foot causes you to sin, but it off and cast it from you.  It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire.  And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you.  It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire."   

 

 "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven."   Jesus continues His theme of the "little ones" which include not only the children in the Church, but all those who have childlike simplicity and humility.  That is, those who are poor in spirit.  My study Bible cites St. John Chrysostom here, who teaches that not only the saints, but all people have guardian angels.  However, it says, the angels of humble people have greater boldness and greater honor before the face of God because of the humility of the person they guard.  It is not the nature of God, but the weakness of human beings, that requires the angels' service.  

 

"For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.  What do you think?  If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?  And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.  Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish."  Unlike an earthly shepherd, my study Bible says, Christ sees such great value in one sheep that He will leave the others at risk to save it.  This is an illustration of the lengths to which Christ will go to save, the precious value of even one.  The ninety-nine sheep represent the righteous who remain faithful to God (Luke 15:7).  According to certain patristic teachers, this is also an image of the Incarnation in which the ninety-nine represent the angels in heaven; Christ descended from heaven to pursue the one sheep -- humankind -- who had fallen into corruption on earth.  

"Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.  If he hears you, you have gained your brother.  But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.'  And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church.  But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and tax collector.  Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.  Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.  For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."  My study Bible comments that church discipline is based on mutual correction in three expanding stages.  Sin and correction are to remain private unless the offender refuses to repent.  All correction must be done with great care and humility, with the highest concern being the salvation of the offender (see 1 Corinthians 5:5; Galatians 6:1).  But nonetheless, it notes, correction must take place so that the sin does not spread to others as well.  The authority to bind and loose sins is given to the apostles and transmitted to the bishops and presbyters they ordained (see also Christ's reference to the "keys of the kingdom of heaven" at the occasion of Peter's confession of faith (Matthew 16:19).  My study Bible further adds that this authority is given for the sake of the salvation of the sinner.  Again, it quotes St. John Chrysostom, who says the sinner, "seeing that he is not only cast out of the Church, but that the bond of his sin will remain in Heaven, he may turn and become gentle."

 

 Thinking about the ninety-nine sheep left behind in order to save one brings to mind the story of the demoniac who called himself Legion, as he had many demons (Mark 5:9).  In Matthew's Gospel, this story appears in chapter 8.  Jesus and the disciples sail across an extremely storm-tossed Sea of Galilee (Matthew 8:23-27), which is dangerous enough to frighten these experienced fishermen to the point at which they fear they are going to perish.  They come to the other side of the Sea of Galilee where they encounter the demon-possessed men (Matthew's version reports two men, which is not necessarily a contradiction to Luke and Mark).  In Matthew 8:28-34, we read about the terrible state of these men, Christ's casting the demons out of them, and the people in region who care more for their swine than for the healing of the men and the casting out of the demons, all of which parallels the stories found in Mark and Luke (Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39).  These demon-possessed men (or man, in the case of Mark and Luke) live among the tombs; they are so separated from society they cannot live in community.  They dwell in a place in which their only human association is with other Jews who unlawfully herd swine for a Gentile market, and who clearly care nothing for these men.  Jesus seemingly has set sail across a very threatening Sea of Galilee apparently simply to come to this desolate and seemingly God-forsaken place simply to heal such tremendously afflicted men.  Again, in the Gospels of Mark and Luke, this newly-healed man is sent out by Christ to proclaim what great things God has done for him, making him not only thoroughly healed and redeemed but clearly a part of the church to come, one sent out on a mission by Christ with a message, even as the evangelists and apostles will be.  This seems to be a clear illustration of the power of Christ to go to the ends of the earth, so to speak, to save even one sheep who is lost.  Seemingly endangering even Himself and His own disciples, He goes to find these men and to heal them, restoring them to faith, even to a place in His church.  So the Gospels clearly have given us a vivid illustration of the power of Christ to seek out and to heal, to restore us to a rightful place within His church.  But the Gospels are, indeed, full of stories about Christ's compelling walk through His ministry seeking out those who would be saved, risking His own life and reputation, being shunned and rejected for doing so, and eventually paying the price for such effort with His life.  For the whole story of Christ and His mission into the world is contained here, as He reaches out with great effort to save the others who are rejected by the religious establishment, as doing so gets Him in hot water with the religious leaders to the point where they plot His death.  This is, indeed, the story of Christ's love for us, and we should not doubt that every effort is made on our behalf as well.  The unlikely stories of salvation in the Gospels, including (for example) that of St. Paul, should make us all stop to ponder how much we are loved, and to be assured that we are similarly considered to be worth every effort, and that Christ and His angels work at all times for us to open our eyes to that love and that salvation.  They will reach us wherever we are, no matter how "lost" we might seem or feel, even when we're not even aware of how lost we just might be, even when we don't understand what we risk in turning away from His way for us.  Christ will use the circumstances of our lives as He uses the circumstances in each of the lives of those whom He saves in the Gospels, including Matthew the tax collector, author of the Gospel we are reading today in the lectionary.  Let us consider how much we are loved, and seek out His call to us, for He will exhaust every effort on our behalf to bring us back.

Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish

 

 "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.  For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.  What do you think?  If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?  And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.  Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

"Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.  If he hears you, you have gained your brother.  But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.'  And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church.  But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.  Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.  Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.  For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."

 

- Matthew 18:10-20 

 

 Yesterday we read that at this time in His ministry, the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"  Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.  But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.  Woe to the world because of offenses!  For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!  If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you.  It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire.  And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you.  It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire."   

"Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.  For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost."  Little ones, we remember from yesterday's reading, include all those with childlike humility and simplicity, all who are poor in spirit.  They are the faithful who will come for guidance, instruction, and shepherding by these disciples who will be the bishops and pillars of the Church; that is, all who will be dependent upon the Church's leaders for their faith.  My study Bible comments that St. John Chrysostom teaches that not only the saints, but all people have guardian angels.  However, the angels of humble people have greater boldness and greater honor before the face of God, because of the humility of the person they guard.  It is not the nature of God, but the weakness of human beings, that requires the service of the angels.  

"What do you think?  If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?  And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.  Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish."  Unlike earthly shepherds, my study Bible says, Christ sees such value in one sheep that He will leave the others at risk in order to save it.  The ninety-nine sheep represent the righteous who remain faithful to God (Luke 15:7).  According to various patristic teachings, this is also an image of the Incarnation, in which the ninety-nine represent the angels in heaven.  Christ descended from heaven in order to pursue the one sheep -- humankind -- who had fallen into corruption on earth.

"Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.  If he hears you, you have gained your brother.  But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.'  And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church.  But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.  Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.  Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.  For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."  Here Christ lays out a system for church discipline, which is based on mutual correction in three expanding stages.  We must note that sin and correction are to remain private here unless the offender refuses to repent.  My study Bible says that all correction must be done with great care and humility, with the highest concern being the salvation of the offender (see 1 Corinthians 5:5; Galatians 6:1).  

 

 There seems to be an important link between the first part of today's reading and the second.  In the first part of the reading, regarding the "lost sheep" that Christ is so careful to say are essential to God, He makes the point clear that every effort must be made out of love for them.  God so loves those sheep that even at risk to the other ninety-nine of a hundred, a single straying sheep should be sought out and brought home to the flock.  It makes the point very clear that for God, even one missing from God's people or community is one that is mourned and deeply desired to be found and returned.  But in the second part of today's reading, regarding discipline within the Church, there is an interesting process at work.  All discipline should begin in private, with each "offender" given the chance to repent, and thus mending community.  But should the breach not be mended, there is a process for expanding the work of community, and if that does not work, to finally include the whole of the community in the effort.  At that stage, one who does not acknowledge the fault is allowed to be considered outside the community, "like a heathen and a tax collector."  What does this mean and how should we understand it in terms of God's deep desire and that "in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven?"  First of all, "little ones" implies a context of those who are humble, who will be dependent upon the disciples and those who follow them as shepherds and guides of the Church.  Second, for purposes of Christ's teaching, the assumption is that the complaint against a brother is true ("if a brother sins against you").  Even the notion of the word "brother" in this context seems to imply not necessarily one of the "little ones," but one of more equal stature in the community.  Let us keep in mind that He is speaking to His disciples, and that all of this discussion follows a demand among them to know who will be the greatest in His Kingdom (see yesterday's reading, above).   In terms of allowing a person who fails to repent or acknowledge the offense within community to be considered as an outsider, we also turn to St. Paul, who writes that he does not wish his flock to keep company "with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person.  For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore 'put away from yourselves the evil person'" (the quotation is a reference to various passages in Deuteronomy); see 1 Corinthians 5.  The most important sense we take away is that God judges the outsider, and the Church does not.  So when Christ speaks of putting one outside the community who fails to acknowledge an act of harm to the community, it is in this sense, that the person is left to God.   He does not say that this is a permanent state, nor that this person will not eventually come to repentance and return.  In effect, I believe, we are to presume that God always deeply desires the return of lost sheep.  If the actions and efforts of the Church cannot restore community, a person left "outside" remains in the hands of God, and therefore it is with this understanding that Christ gives His teachings.  We don't know what ways God can work in a person's life to bring them "home" -- see, for example, Christ's parable of the Prodigal or Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32).  Whatever we understand from Christ's teaching, we should not forget that God's love always calls back, always seeks the lost, and even those "outside" can find their way back.

I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents

 Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him.  And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, "This Man receives sinners and eats with them."  So He spoke this parable to them, saying:  "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?  And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.  And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'  I say to you that likewise will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. 

"Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it?  And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!'  Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

- Luke 15:1-10

Yesterday we read that at this point in His ministry, great multitudes went with Jesus.  And He turned and said to them, "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.  And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.  For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it -- lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.'  Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?  Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace.  So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.  Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?  It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out.  He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"

 Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him.  And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, "This Man receives sinners and eats with them."  My study bible notes that fellowship with sinners defiled pious Jews.    That this event comes so closely to Jesus' dinner at the home of one of the rulers of the Pharisees gives us an illustration of the parable He told there:  of the man who gave a great supper and invited many, but then began to hear excuses (see Monday's reading).  Finally, Jesus taught, he gave orders to his servants:  "Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind."  These possibly repentant sinners are likened spiritually to the poor, maimed, lame, and blind who truly desire the supper -- and spiritual healing -- Christ offers.

So He spoke this parable to them, saying:  "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?  And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.  And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'  I say to you that likewise will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance."  In response to the criticism of the Pharisees and scribes, Jesus tells three parables -- two of which are given in today's reading.   In the three parables are a man (in this one), a woman (the next verses), and the father (in tomorrow's lectionary reading).  My study bible cites Ambrose of Milan, who sees the three as representing Christ, the Church, and God the Father:  "Christ carries the sinner, the Church seeks and intercedes, and the Father receives."  In the spiritual interpretation traditional among Church Fathers, the hundred sheep are representative of all rational creation.  The one who goes astray symbolizes humankind, while the ninety-nine represent the angelic realm.  The image, however, is clear:  if those who are "perfect" feel they have no need of repentance or Christ's ministry, He will go to those who were lost, the repentant sinners who flock to Him.

"Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it?  And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!'  Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."  My study bible explains here that ten silver coins comprise a single necklace worn by a married woman, a bride, which is an image of the Church (Ephesians 5:32).  The lost coin (Greek drachma) had an image of the king upon it.  It symbolizes human beings, who, although bearing the image of God, fell from grace.  Through the Church, my study bible says, Christ enlightens the world, sweeps away sin, and finds His lost creation.  Once again, we notice the emphasis by Jesus on even "one sinner who repents," giving the scribes and Pharisees their answer. 

What a fascinating ministry.  Christ has taught throughout the cities and towns of Galilee, and is so well-known by now that great multitudes follow Him.  In fact, His ministry is drawing to a close, as He has already set His face for Jerusalem.  He has also told His apostles that He will be rejected, and suffer, be killed, and on the third day rise again.  The plan for His "exodus" has already been set.  In the past several readings, Jesus has let it be known in the home of one of the rulers of the Pharisees that He understands He will be rejected, but that Judgment belongs to the One whom they do not recognize.  He has warned them of the importance of humility, which they lack.  Jesus' words in the parable of the Great Supper regarding the seeking out of the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind come to fruition in His ministry, as now "all the tax collectors and the sinners" draw near to Him to hear Him.  What kind of ministry is this, that it is the imperfect and the "less than" who draw near to hear Him?  That such notorious sinners as tax collectors, seen as betraying their own people and using unjust methods of extortion and violence in their ways of making money, should follow Him would seem a kind of embarrassment, a scandal.  But embarrassment and scandal are strangely an intrinsic part of Christ's mission and ministry.  The greatest scandal, of course, will be the Cross itself, and Jesus rejected and given up to the Romans by the religious establishment, the leaders of the people.  But there are other ways to think of scandal and shame, and Jesus names something very particular when He speaks of discipleship.  Strange to contrast Jesus' strict words about discipleship in yesterday's reading (above), and the drawing to Him of sinners and tax collectors.  But discipleship is the spiritual cure for spiritual ailments.  In chapter 9, after speaking about taking up one's own cross, Jesus teaches, "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels."  The emphasis on humility is clear, and the shame that may be assigned to Him and His ministry named openly.  Those who would seek to gain the whole world are not those whom He expects to remain with Him.  Rather He calls us to the Cross, to our own crosses, to a different life in which humility is key, as there will always be some "shame" to be borne of those who find they must turn away from the worldly things one could sacrifice one's life for in order to find that life He offers.  These sinners and tax collectors who draw near to hear Jesus perhaps understand better than those who've never stumbled what it is to lose something precious, while Jesus offers them His sense that they themselves are precious to Him, to God.  It is a strange paradox indeed, that in losing our lives we save them, and in taking up our own crosses, we imitate Him in His hour of glory (see John 12:23-26).  It is in this place of "shame" that God's love is expressed through Christ, in that salvation is held out to those who were lost, those who may recognize their need for repentance and change, and the supreme gift in the offer of Christ for redemption and above all, God's love and value.  Jesus wisely teaches, "To whom little is forgiven, the same loves little" (see 7:36-50).  But then, if we are already perfect and have no shame, we have so little to forgive.   Let us understand that we are all little children before an exceedingly loving Creator who bears our shame for us -- regardless of what form that may take in human society -- so that we may be always with Him.

The Son of Man has come to save that which was lost

 "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.  For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.  What do you think?  If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one who is straying?  And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.  Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

"Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.  If he hears you, you have gained your brother.  But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.'  And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church.  But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.  Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.  Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.  For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."

- Matthew 18:10-20

Yesterday we read that that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"  (This is just after the second prophesy Jesus has given them of His suffering, death and Resurrection.)  Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.   But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.  Woe to the world because of offenses!  For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!  If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you.  It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire.  And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you.  It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire."

 "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven."  St. John Chrysostom teaches that not only the saints, but all people have guardian angels.  But, my study bible notes, the angels of humble people have greater boldness and greater honor before the face of God because of the humility of the person that they guard.  It is not the nature of God, but the weakness of human beings, that requires the service of the angels.

"For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.  What do you think?  If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one who is straying?  And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.  Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish."  Here is a display of the love of God.  Christ sees such value in one sheep that He will leave the others at risk to save it (unlike earthly shepherds, my study bible adds).  The ninety-nine sheep represent the righteous who remain faithful to God (Luke 15:7).  In accordance with some patristic writers, this is also an image of the Incarnation:  the ninety-nine represent the angels in heaven; Christ descended from heaven to pursue the one sheep -- humankind -- who had fallen into corruption on earth.

"Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.  If he hears you, you have gained your brother.  But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.'  And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church.  But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector."  Jesus gives us a model for Church discipline, which is based on mutual correction in three expanding stages.  Sin and correction, my study bible notes, remain private unless the offender refuses to repent (note that this mirrors Jesus' own behavior, as He corrects His disciples in private; see for example this reading).  All correction has to be done with great care and humility (see 7:3-5), with the highest concern being the salvation of the offender (see 1 Corinthians 5:5; Galatians 6:1).  However, correction is necessary so that sin does not spread to others as well.

"Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.  Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.  For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."   My study bible says that the authority to bind and loose sins is given to the apostles and transmitted to the bishops and presbyters they ordained.  This authority is given for the sake of the salvation of the sinner.  St. John Chrysostom writes that "seeing that he is not only cast out of the Church, but that the bond of his sin will remain in Heaven, [the sinner] may turn and become gentle."

Jesus presents the disciples with teachings about how His Church is to function after His death, Resurrection, and Ascension.  They don't know yet how events will unfold.  He's just given them two warnings about what is to come, telling them that He will be raised on the third day.  In yesterday's reading, their concerns came to light when they asked who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  It's likely they expect the worldly eternal kingdom of the Messiah in accordance with popular understanding, and so they ask about their positions in this coming kingdom.  But Jesus prepares them for what is come, teaching first of all about humility ("whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven").  In today's reading He gives us a model for correction in the Church, but begins with the model of God's love, teaching about the effort to save all, and in particularly those who are straying.  He pictures God as one of us, rejoicing over finding what was lost more than all that had remained.  Indeed, He gives them the word that He Himself is sent into the world as human being in order to save that which was lost.   And here we get the true "flavor" of Christ' ministry and the Church.  The Church is here to save that which was lost, to call us back to where we belong.  We are all imperfect beings, but we are meant to grow in likeness to our Creator, and this is the purpose of the Church:  to teach us to find the way to do that, to show us the way.  It is, in that sense, a portal, a doorway to the Kingdom, in which Christ Himself is the door (see John 10:9-16).  In the same passage in John, Jesus also calls Himself the good shepherd.  He's the one who gives His life for the sheep.  In this is an illustration of God's love, and in particular for those whose angels always see the face of "My Father who is in heaven."  Let us consider what it is to be a stray, a lost sheep.  Perhaps many of us have had this experience.  To be astray is not to really know where we are going, wandering far and wide from the place where we really need to be and where we have belonging, and in particular, a deep love.  It is always God's deep love missing from lives that are astray, and it is that love that pulls us back.  He will wander far and wide, our Good Shepherd who comes to the ends of the earth to find His sheep.  That is the kind of love that does not abandon, even when everyone else has (Psalm 27:10-11).  It is the king of love that will lead us back when we have no guide.  He is present with us when we call on Him.  It is this kind of love the disciples are to learn, and we who seek to carry His light must remember our call as well. 

If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?

 "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.  For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.

"What do you think?  If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?  And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.  Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

"Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.  If he hears you, you have gained your brother.  But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.'  And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church.  But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.  Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.  Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.  For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."

- Matthew 18:10-20

Yesterday we read that, after Jesus' second warning that He will suffer, be killed, and rise on the third day, the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"  Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.  Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.  Woe to the world because of offenses!  For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!  If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you.  It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or tow feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire.  And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you.  It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire."

 "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.  for the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost."  Jesus continues speaking of the little ones, the ones who are "least" in the Church, the humble and dependent.  Regarding their angels, St John Chrysostom teaches that not only the saints, but all people have guardian angels.  But the angels of the humble have greater boldness and greater honor before the face of God, because of the humility of the person they guard.  My study bible tells us that it is not the nature of God but rather the weakness of human beings that requires the angels' service.

"What do you think?  If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?  And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.  Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish."   My study bible says that unlike earthly shepherds, Christ sees such value in one sheep that He will leave the others at risk to save it.  (See also Zechariah 11:15-17, referring to false leadership, in which it is a worthless shepherd who leaves the flock and does not seek the strays.)  The ninety-nine sheep represent the righteous who remain faithful to God (Luke 15:7).   According to certain patristic interpretations, this is also an image of the Incarnation, in which the ninety-nine represent the angels in heaven.  Christ descended from heaven to pursue the one sheep -- humankind -- who had fallen into corruption on earth.

"Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.  If he hears you, you have gained your brother.  But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.'  And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church.  But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector."  The parable about "lost sheep"  brings up the problem of those who sin in the Church.  Jesus gives a formula for discipline within the Church, based on mutual correction, and expanding in three stages.  Sin and correction are to remain private unless the offender refuses to repent, my study bible notes.  All correction must be done with great care and with humility.  The highest concern is, in fact, the salvation of the offender -- thus, with the one who may be "lost" or astray (see 1 Corinthians 5:5, Galatians 6:1).  However, correction must take place so that the sin does not spread to others as well.

"Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.  Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.  For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."   The authority to both bind and loose sins is given to the apostles and transmitted to the bishops and presbyters they ordained, according to my study bible.  This authority is given for the sake of the salvation of the sinner.   St. John Chrysostom comments that, "seeing that he is not only cast out of the Church, but that the bond of his sin will remain in Heaven, he may turn and become gentle."

The parable of the Good Shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to seek the one straying sheep may have struck ancient ears as rather odd.  After all, a shepherd of the time wouldn't necessarily leave the majority of his flock to seek out one, and risk losing them all.  But this isn't a story about sheep; it's a story about the love of Christ and the type of leadership He wants from His disciples.  They should go to the "ends of the earth" to find the strays and the lost who belong to the Master, and bring them together in one flock.  And this is, of course, what the Apostles will do after Pentecost.  We should remember that today's reading is given in the context of preparing the disciples for their leadership in the Church that is to come.  They've just received the second warning from Christ about what is to come:  that He will die on the Cross, and after three days He will be risen.  This news has left them dejected, but also no doubt curious to know their place in what they believe is the Kingdom to come.  His first teaching (in yesterday's reading, above) was about the use of power in His Church.  They are most importantly to care for the "little ones," that is, those who are like little children in the Church, the humble who will be in their care.  Into that context comes the story of the shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to go after the one that's lost.  No effort should be spared in caring for "the least of these."  Christ's parable gives us a guarantee of the importance of personal attention.  It teaches us that each one is sacred and unique and special to the Father.  Perhaps Jesus makes His most important statement about the whole essence of His Incarnational mission when He says, "For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost."  It's an indication of how beloved each person is by God, our Creator.  It's not a call to selfishness or self-centeredness on our part.  It's rather a statement about the importance of returning the sheep to where they belong, to the place that is truly home, where they may dwell in that love.  It's about recalling the sheep to their true natures, and finding the place where identity becomes complete.  That is really the mission of the Church, to seek and find those who've been lost to this truth, this essence about ourselves as persons.  So strong is the desire to find the "lost sheep" that Jesus strongly warns the disciples that all care and all effort must be made to avoid their alienation, in the ways that they are to provide leadership and in seeking out those who've been lost.  It remains the essence of what it is to belong to Christ, and to find our true image and identity in Him.  Even in teaching about discipline within the Church, all care is taken to protect privacy and proper means of correction for each one.   At the Last Supper, Jesus will give one commandment that is both new and final:  "Love one another as I have loved you" (John 13:34, 15:12).  In these teachings about the lost sheep, Jesus really teaches us about the love of God, a love so great as to seek redemption for each one.  Let us remember His command and seek to follow His example.

If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?

“Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. What do you think?  If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. 

“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.  If he hears you, you have gained your brother.  But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’  And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church.  But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.  Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.  Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.  For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

- Matthew 18:10-20

Yesterday, we read that after Jesus had warned for the second time that He will be made to suffer and be killed, and raised on the third day,  the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"  Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.  Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of offenses!  For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!  If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you.  It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire.  And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you.  It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire."

“Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.“   In yesterday’s reading, Jesus  has already discussed the “little ones” who are those who are humble.  Regarding angels, my study bible notes that “St. John Chrysostom teaches that not only the saints, but all people have guardian angels.  However, the angels of humble people have greater boldness and greater honor before the face of God because of the humility of the person they guard.  It is not the nature of God, but the weakness of men, that requires the angels’ service.”  Regarding those who are humble, today’s Old Testament reading tells us that “the man Moses was very meek, more than all the people who were on the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3).   A later verse tells us that, in contrast to other prophets, God spoke with Moses not in visions but  “face to face.”

“For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.  What do you think?  If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?  And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.  Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.“  My study bible explains that “unlike earthly shepherds, Christ sees such value in one sheep that He will leave the others at risk to save it.  The ninety-nine sheep represent the righteous who remain faithful to God (Luke 15:7).  According to certain Fathers, this is also an image of the Incarnation in which the ninety-nine represent the angels in heaven; Christ descended from heaven to pursue the one sheep – man – who had fallen into corruption on earth.”

“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.  If he hears you, you have gained your brother.  But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’  And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church.  But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.  Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.  Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.  For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”  A note tells us:  “Church discipline is based on mutual correction in three expanding stages.  Sin and correction are to remain private unless the offender refuses to repent.  All correction must be done with great care and humility, with the highest concern being the salvation of the offender (see 1 Corinthians 5:5; Galatians 6:1).  Nevertheless, correction must take place so that the sin does not spread to others as well.”

It’s interesting to note the place of human beings in today’s reading.  My study bible points out that each one of us has a guardian angel.  But it also notes that according to St. John Chrysostom, angels of the humble have greater boldness and honor before God just because of the humility of the person they guard.  In keeping with what Christ teaches here about saving what was lost, St. Chrysostom teaches that it’s the weakness of human beings that requires the angels’ service; therefore their missions reflect their Master’s.  Christ has taught already that it is those who are ill who have need of the physician.   Moreover, not only are we each recipients of the ministry of angels, but in the image of the ninety-nine sheep, certain Fathers of the church see the Incarnation as Christ (the Shepherd) who descends to pursue the one sheep (humankind) that had fallen into corruption and was in danger of perdition (the state of being totally lost).  In this context, the Redeemer comes for the one, and we are that one.  Not only do the angels minister to each one of us, particularly in the case of weakness, but somehow we are worthy of this special place of attention, the Incarnation.  It is in the spirit of this love that we view the instructions given us here for church discipline by Jesus.  This is a serious mission; those who must be saved must be cared for with discipline.  Above all, it is this love and this mission which must always be followed and in operation – and discipline serves that purpose.  No danger should fall to those who are the “little ones” in the care of the disciples.  That would include the need for discipline in the church, rather than a spirit of tolerance for abuse of those who need and seek help.