Prophet Isaiah pronounces an oracle of the release of Israel from the Babylonian exile. The exile was God’s punishment on Israel for her sins. However, the time has come for Israel to be set free from her captivity. The announcement is a divine decree which is filled with consolation and hope for the nation. Yahweh Himself will triumphantly come forth in procession from Mt. Sinai into the holy city. Upon His return, God will bless the people with His mercy and authority. He will rule over them with loving care, just like a shepherd who tends his sheep.

Today’s Gospel passage highlights God as a shepherd who searches out the sheep that strays. The finding of the stray sheep gives God great joy for He wills that all His sheep are safe. Jesus teaches His listeners that God will make every effort to seek out the lost. Christians must therefore feel more joy not only on the return of their brothers and sisters who are “lost” but because God never tires of seeking.

We are to care in a special way for weak or “lost” Christians. Pope Francis says, “I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out there on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security” (Evangelii Gaudium, 49). The grace for us is to imbibe God who seeks out the lost.

Lord, use me to console and raise hope for the weak and the lost.