So (Jesus) told them this parable: “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? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”
Luke 15: 3-7
Today is referred to as Prodigal Son Sunday in the Armenian Church, since the reading from Luke goes beyond what I’ve included and contains that famous parable. We are familiar with this parable: the father who watches eagerly, awaiting his precious lost son’s return. And the immediate forgiveness the father grants him. It is equally important to consider that we are all the lost sheep – for all have sinned and all need redemption. We are all equally precious to a God who will give up His Son’s own life to save us and restore our inheritance. He will seek after us relentlessly, as a shepherd seeking His lost sheep – He will seek for us His lost treasure.
Let us pray with St. Gregory:
I am like the pathetic sheep…without the slightest chance of returning to the fold.
You found me, a sinner, lost in darkness crying,
and because of your willing care you were called Shepherd,
for not only did you care, but you sought, not only did you find,
O worker of miracles, but with the goodness of your love,
a love that defies description, you rescued me,
lifting me upon your shoulders,
to set down alongside your heavenly army,
the heirs to your Fatherly legacy.
So deliver me with your mercy, O fount of loving kindness,
who alone are blessed through all eternity.
Amen
Prayer 15 A, E
