24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
We know that the Good Shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. We know that they follow him because they know his voice. The Good Shepherd takes such good care of his sheep, giving everything for them, even laying down his life.
But what happens if one of the sheep gets lost? What will the Good Shepherd do?
‘Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not...go after the one that is lost until he finds it?'
He searches for the sheep, doesn't he? Did you hear how long he searches?
Until.
Does he rest at night?
Nope.
Does he take a break for a snack??
Nope.
Does he give up???
Nope, nope, nope.
What if it takes him fifty-three thousand days to find the sheep?
Jesus says, he searches until he finds it.
I wonder how he feels about that sheep?
And what does the Good Shepherd do? He picks up that sheep and carries it back to the flock. All the strength of the Good Shepherd given to the sheep. Can you imagine being that sheep, up on the shoulders of the Good Shepherd? What could you see, with your head beside his?
We know the Good Shepherd is filled with joy, because when he gets back, he calls everyone together and rejoices. Alleluia! All the sheep together with the Good Shepherd. The way it should be.