In the two stories included in today's passage, Jesus uses people whom the Pharisees and teachers of the law regarded as inferior (a shepherd and a woman) to illustrate God's active searching for those who are lost. It is hard for us today to appreciate how shocking this would have been for Jesus audience. Far from favouring the 'good', God takes the initiative in seeking and rescuing those who have wandered far away. Jesus told these stories to a crowd of tax collectors and sinners. If you have been convinced that God has no interest in you, because of who you are or what you have done, can you believe that God's n mercy has no limits and is available to you too? Now read the story again, this time as if you are a Pharisee or religious teacher. If you have spent your life trying hard to measure up to what you believe God expects of you, how do you react to the news that God is more concerned for people whom you regard as unacceptable to God? Jesus says; "THERE IS MORE HAPPINESS IN HEAVEN BECAUSE OF ONE SINNER WHO TURNS TO GOD THAN OVER 99 GOOD PEOPLE WHO DON'T NEED TO" [vs. 7] What is your experience of being sought and found by God? If this does not reflect your experience of God, how else would you describe your coming into relationship with God? Spend some time reflecting on the passage along the line suggested above. What difference will it make to how you live today. PRAYER Merciful God, thank you for not giving up upon us. Thank you for the many times you have turning us back towards you. Please help us to be merciful to others because we have experienced your mercy. A M E N