The first reading describes the event whereby the people of Israel, who had been in exile in Babylon, were released and allowed to return home. On the human level, the release of the Israelites is attributed to Cyrus, king of Persia. In the passage, however, the prophet Isaiah claims that it is God, who released the Israelites. The return from Babylon is seen as a re-enactment of the original liberation of Israel from Egypt. In the first Exodus, Israel's God went before the people in a pillar of cloud or a pillar of fire. Now God, as the heavenly king, leads His people in triumphal procession back to their land as the power of the Babylonians, which had been great, had faded like the grass in their field.

This is why Zion/Jerusalem is told to proclaim the good news that God is with them in power, and also in love, caring for, and leading them as a shepherd. In the Gospel passage, Jesus compares God the Father to a shepherd who searches out those who are lost for God desires that none of His people should ever perish or be lost. At times, we may not understand why certain things happen in our lives. Often, we feel "lost". God is assuring us that He never leaves or abandons His people. He comes searching to rescue us, and to lead as a loving shepherd in His time and in His way. Let us, therefore, together with the psalmist acclaim the Lord who comes into our lives with power and with love.