The Joy of Being Found
KINDRED Daily Gospel Reflection
Gospel Reading: Matthew 18:12–14
Jesus teaches the parable of the lost sheep: if a shepherd has one hundred sheep and one goes astray, he leaves the ninety-nine to seek the one who is lost. When he finds it, he rejoices more over that one than over the ninety-nine who never wandered. Jesus concludes: “It is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.”
Gospel Reflection: “The Joy of Being Found”
Few images capture God’s heart as beautifully as the shepherd who searches for the one who has wandered. Today’s Gospel is not about percentages or efficiency — it is about love. The Father does not settle for ninety-nine found; His heart aches for the one who is missing.
This parable reveals something tender and astonishing: God notices when you drift. Not with anger. Not with disappointment. But with longing — a desire to bring you back into safety, communion, and joy.
Many of us know what it feels like to wander: prayer grows thin, hope dims, habits slip, faith feels distant. We assume God is far from us in those moments. But Jesus tells us the opposite: when we wander, God draws near.
Advent is a season for returning, not with fear, but with trust. The Shepherd comes searching. He walks into the rough places, the hidden places, the parts of life we’d rather avoid. And when He finds us, He does not scold — He lifts us onto His shoulders.
You are never “too lost” for God. You are never forgotten. You are never abandoned to your wandering. Heaven rejoices — truly rejoices — when you turn toward Him again.
Let this Gospel steady your heart today: God wants you. He seeks you. And He delights in finding you.
One Thing To Do Today:
Take one moment in prayer to say: “Lord, I have wandered in this area of my life… please find me and bring me home.”
Closing Prayer:
Jesus, Good Shepherd, find me when I wander and carry me when I am weak. Help me trust Your mercy and rejoice in Your love. Lead me back to the heart of the Father. Amen.
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