The Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin

Luke 15: 1-10:  The Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin
     Through the parable of The Lost Sheep scripture tells us that, "God's love for the individual is so great that he seeks out each one and rejoices when one is found."  The parable of The Lost Coin further expresses God's love for each of his children.  In Jesus' culture "women received 10 silver coins as a wedding gift.  Besides their monetary value these coins held a sentimental value like that of a wedding ring and to lose one would be extremely distressing.  Just as a woman would rejoice at find her lost coin, so the angels rejoice over a repentant sinner.  Each individual is previous to God.  He grieves over every loss and rejoices whenever one of his children is found and brought into the Kingdom." (cf. Chronological Life Application Study Bible NLT p. 1410)  Parish Bulletin Sept. 15, 2013.

Above cf. http://meekatuano.blogspot.ca/2012/09/luke-15.html

     If you would read Luke 15, you will notice that it has 3 parables with the same message.  Ø  Parable of the Lost Sheep tells us of a shepherd who leaves 99 sheep to find the one sheep that was lost.

Above: St. Peter's Alberton stained glass window at altar.

Are you ready?

Today's Gospel Luke 12: 32-40

     Are you ready? Do you believe the statement in verse 32 which says not to be afraid because God wants to give you everything? Do you totally trust God to meet all your needs? How do feel about verse 34 which describes the relationship between your treasure and your heart? What is your treasure? How do you treat your treasure? Verse 35 asks you to be ready for action at all times – ready for doing God’s bidding. Verse 37 says  if you are ready to meet and serve your Lord whenever he comes that you will be blessed.  Verse 40 urges readiness because ...”the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.”  God provides, God’s blesses, God expects his disciples to act wisely and love one another now! 

cf. Parish Bulletin, Aug. 11, 2013

Image cf. http://biblechallenge.salvationarmy.org.uk/

Luke 12: 13-21

This is the Gospel for Sunday, August 4th, 2013 - cf. Parish Bulletin

Reflecting on Today’s Gospel Luke 12: 13-21

Excerpts from a sermon by Pastor Elisabeth Johnson, Lutheran Institute of Theology, Meiganga Cameroon (The Text This Week on line)

     Why is the rich farmer called a fool? ...The rich farmer is a fool not because he is wealthy or because he saves for the future, but because he appears to live only for himself, and because he believes that he can secure his life with his abundant possessions.  ...Like the rich farmer, we are tempted to think that having large amounts of money and possessions stored up will make us secure. Sooner or later, however, we learn that no amount of wealth or property can secure our lives. No amount of wealth can protect us from a genetically inherited disease, for instance, or from a tragic accident. No amount of wealth can keep our relationships healthy and our families from falling apart. In fact, wealth and property can easily drive a wedge between family members, as in the case of the brothers fighting over their inheritance at the beginning of this text.  ...Most importantly, no amount of wealth can secure our lives with God. In fact, Jesus repeatedly warns that wealth can get in the way of our relationship with God. “Take care!” he says. “Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions” (12:15). Our lives and possessions are not our own. They belong to God. We are merely stewards of them for the time God has given us on this earth. We rebel against this truth because we want to be in charge of our lives and our stuff. Yet this truth is actually good news. Because all that we are and all that we have belongs to God, our future is secure beyond all measure. So Jesus tells us, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (12:32).

image cf. http://frbonnie.wordpress.com/