Nothing is lost - November 21

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 102; PM Psalm 107:1-32; 1 Macc. 4:36-59; Rev. 22:6-13; Matt. 18:10-20

I saw something new in Holy Scripture today. Our reading from Matthew – depending on your translation of the Bible – is missing verse 11: “For the Son of Man came to save the lost.”

Curious, right? This piece of the gospel is missing because some of the oldest (read: most authentic) copies of the Gospel according to Matthew do not include it. Chances are that it was added later by a scribe – because it is like the messages we hear from Jesus through the eyes of Luke and John.

This week I heard a story of loss. The grieving man grew up as a person of faith but is not sure about where he stands with God right now. He is deeply grieving the death of his beloved, and he is not sure that his partner is in heaven. Even if the deceased was among those who are “lost”, Jesus offers reassurance. The Good Shepherd always seeks out those who have gone astray. He leaves the ninety-nine on the mountains and goes in search of the one that has wandered off. And God never wants one of the flock to be lost (Matthew 18:12, 14).

One of the recommended gospel readings for funerals is John 6:37-40. Jesus reiterates what we hear in Matthew and Luke: “And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day.” Nothing is lost. No one is lost. If we see the loss, it is because we are not seeing the end.

We are God’s from the first. And God desires good for us, so that we may know God and share goodness with others. In God’s economy, we are ever embraced by divine grace and care – even when we cannot see it. And especially when we cannot see it. And so, Jesus came to show us, guide us, and heal us. He wept alongside us. He taught us to show mercy to those in the midst of struggle – just as we need mercy when we are struggling.

My friends, we all have seasons of being among the lost, broken, and afflicted. Take heart that the Good Shepherd is forever seeking the lost. What is it you can do this day to remind others of this Good News?

With God’s help,

Katherine+

Reflection and Challenge

When have you felt lost recently? Reflect on that feeling and the thoughts of that you recall from that time. Take a few minutes to journal about that being "lost". Revisit today's gospel from Matthew (18:10-20) and note what stands out as you read it this time. Make notes and then offer a prayer to God, for guidance, for strength, and for hope.