Jesus tells stories to help us repent - November 9
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 119:97-120; PM Psalm 81, 82; Joel 2:12-19; Rev. 19:11-21; Luke 15:1-10
Jesus told stories that were highly relatable to his audience. The parables were focused upon events that were relevant to the time and place. In Luke 15, Jesus speaks to crowds that include the faithful attenders – Pharisees and the scribes of the Temple – and those who are less pristine – the tax-collectors and sinners. He tells them two stories of loss – one of livestock and the other of money.
The parable of the lost sheep highlights that one sheep was in peril apart from the herd of 100. Jesus asks, “Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it?” He poses the question in a way to assert that the shepherd must seek the lost one. Who would confess to acting otherwise? And then what happens? When the fluffy animal is located, it is lifted up above the brambles and predators and rests upon the steady shoulders of the shepherd. And much joy ensues. The shepherd calls his friends and family, sharing the celebratory spirit that the sheep was lost and now is found. Lest the Pharisees and scribes think he was talking exclusively to the tax-collectors and other garden variety sinners with this message, Jesus adds a fine point at the end of the parable: “there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous people who need no repentance.”
In essence, Jesus says, “I am looking at you, too, my well educated and faithful colleagues. You are not beyond the need for repentance and forgiveness.”
Jesus continues, bringing in an example of a woman who has ten days’ wages – ten silver coins – and one goes missing. It could be the tithe she is to give to the Temple that is lost. And what does the audience expect her to do in response? Search and search and search until she finds it! And like the shepherd who locates the lost sheep, the woman calls together her network of support, “Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.” As in the previous parable, Jesus adds a note of commentary at the end, “Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Jesus is preaching the message that repentance is met with joy – ALWAYS. While it is painful and uncomfortable and we might grumble getting to that point, God desires that we turn our faces and our lives toward God. In doing so, we can no longer point fingers or separate ourselves from others. This is not easy.
I wonder what parables Jesus would tell us today? Would he name the midterm elections? Would he address aggressive behaviors of those masked by their vehicles in traffic or by pseudonyms in social media? Would he point to poverty and hunger and war? How would Jesus use the scenarios that divide us to open our eyes to our need for repentance? How would he stir us to see the blessing of God upon us all and available to us all?
Though the mark left by Jesus is two thousand years old, I imagine Jesus’ words and parables to us as people living in the world – regardless of the technological advances – continue to be the messages we read in Luke 15: Persistence. Repentance. Forgiveness. Celebration. Love.
Katherine+
Questions for Reflection
Think of a time when you realized a story of criticism was calling you out. How did it feel to see yourself - your sinfulness - recognized? What did you do in response?
Daily Challenge
Say the Confession of Sin (BCP pg. 79). Then, read the Absolution: "Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen."
Sit in prayer, feeling joyful. Imagine God's deep joy in forgiving and welcoming you.