Today’s Gospel was of the Shepherd who left the 99 sheep  to search out the one who was lost. Too often it may seem today that it is the 99 who are lost and only one – if that many – who remain safe in the Shepherd’s arms. Often it seems we are adrift, unable to find port.

Let us remember when in our own lives it seems that we have lost our bearings, the Good Shepherd of our souls is near, searching for us. We need only allow ourselves to be found. And let us remember when our loved ones seem lost to us – or we to them – that the loss does not mean enmity and it may not last forever. We need not be threatened and lash out in fear or anger. We need not despair. There is always hope that the Good Shepherd of all may bind the wounds of division, of strife, of war. We have been promised good pasture and we trust that it will be ours.

“I tell you most solemnly, My Heavenly Father rejoices more over one lost sheep who was found than over all the others who never strayed.”  Since so many of us have strayed in recent times, how great will be that heavenly rejoicing when all will have been made right again!