In today's Gospel we have the simplest of all the parables of Jesus. It is the simple story of a lost sheep and a seeking shepherd. Jesus presents this as His favourite picture of God and of the Father's love, and teaches us many aspects of that love.

First, the love of God is a personal love. The ninety-nine were not enough, one sheep was out on the hillside and the shepherd could not rest until he had brought it home. God relates to us in the same way. Before God we stand as unique persons and precious individuals.

Second, the love of God is a patient love. Sheep are proverbially foolish creatures. We may be fools but God loves us. God yearns with patience so that we may learn through our failures and grow out of our foolishness.

Third, the love of God is a seeking love. The shepherd was not content to wait for the sheep to come back. He went out to search for it. Jesus reveals the Father as one who does not wait for the return of sinners, but goes out to search for them. The Jews could never understand this Christian idea of God.

Fourth, the love of God is a rejoicing love. God delights in our being reconciled and made whole. He sees us not as we were, not even as we are, but what we can grow to be in accepting His love.

Finally, the love of God is a protecting love. The protecting love of God makes the wanderer wise, the weak strong and the sinner pure.