When I first heard of the retelling of the story below, it reminded me of the parable of the woman with the lost coin. She hunted everywhere for that coin. Nowadays, I would probably have given up within nanoseconds thinking a penny is just a penny, but then I think of the value of currency in that day. Even in my childhood years of the 70’s a penny got you at least 3 taffy chewy candies. It was valuable. It was costly.
This story also reminded me of the Jesus and the Lost Sheep where Jesus secured the ninety-nine sheep in a pen and went out looking for the one that was lost. Jesus knows that our lives (i.e.: the sheep) are valuable and is not willing to let even one of us go without a “GOOD” search!”
Let me have Stacy tell the story and her reflection in her own words.
“I heard a story this week about a lost dog. First, there was one person who began looking for the dog and then, many more joined the search. The search continued until the owner was found. It was apparent that joint effort and collaboration led to the rescue of this dog and its return to the owner. Maybe, the people searching were simply dog lovers. It is possible that others joined the search because there was simply a common interest that a lost animal be returned safely to its owner. Perhaps, the folks searching had a belief that all who are lost can, indeed, be found and reunited with the One who loves them beyond all measure.
Aren’t we called by God to “love one another as I have loved you?” How are you able to show love today for those who are lost? Will you then work to find them and reunite them with those who love them most? Will you reunite them with God who loves us all the most?”
The parables of the Lost Coin and the Lost Sheep are missing one character in their stories. The third person(s). The person(s) who stays behind and helps with searching. What Stacy witnessed was a community of strangers who cared about this dog coming together to look for the pup. It is important to reflect on the questions that Stacy poses. What will you do? Will you reunite them with God who loves us all the most?
With Blessings and Peace,
Blessings,
Rev. Anne