The Gospel reading from this past Sunday came from Luke chapter 15. This chapter has stories of lost and found. These stories are very familiar to us. The pastor at the church I attend, who preached on the gospel lesson, reminded us of these three stories. He said recently that when he shared this lesson with the kids (ages 7 – 9), they got the central message, lost but then found. He was excited and refreshed from this exchange. A simple message of once being lost and then being found. If the kids can get this, why do we as adults sometimes stumble over this lesson?
All three of these stories are about being lost and how God cares about us being lost. Lost then found and restored. We are restored to the community/group not just found. Lost, found, restored and then a celebration. Being back in the community/group calls for a celebration. God celebrates and we celebrate.
During this Lent season my hope is that we keep it simple.
Peace and all good,Markie(on behalf of the the Council)