Sometimes we worry about our future and what will happen to us. Paul has a solution: it really doesn't matter whether you live or die, for you live in Christ. Sick or well, rich or poor, living or dead, you belong to him. If that is so, no real harm can come to you. He carries that a step further: don't judge others, since we all belong to Christ, we will all be judged by him alone. Living in Jesus should relieve us of excessive worry and fear, as well as our 'need' to act as policeman and judge of other people. It's all about Jesus, not us!

Why wasn't the woman content with the nine coins she had? Why didn't the shepherd forget about the lost sheep and just worry about caring for the 99? It's simple: the flock of sheep is 100 - 99 is not the whole flock. Nothing can be left behind or excluded without damage to the whole body. So it is with humanity and the way God deals with us: no one can be discarded, excluded, or left behind. We must always go in search of those who have lost their way - they are the most precious and there is great rejoicing when they are found. Pope Francis is a great example of this message as he reaches out to all without conditions. His great love has won many hearts. We can practise this same sort of love each day as we reach out to the lost, the difficult, the lonely, and the frightened.