Luke 15:3-7 And he spoke this parable to them, saying,… I. THE LOST SHEEP — THE SINNER. 1. Both act in the same manner. 2. Both share the same fate. II. THE GOOD SHEPHERD — JESUS CHRIST. 1. He possesses a numerous flock, as Creator and as Redeemer of mankind. 2. However numerous the flock may be, He is aware of every loss He sustains. (1) His solicitude for every one of His sheep knows no limits. (2) Being omniscient, He knows all the dangers that may befall the flock and any of the sheep. 3. He leaves the ninety-nine in the desert. (1) He does not leave them through carelessness, or without protection. (2) Our Savior displayed a greater solicitude for the welfare of the sinner, because it. (1) Christ goes after the sinner, warning and exhorting him by the voice of conscience, by inspirations, by the kindness with which He received sinners when He dwelt visibly among them, by His whole life, passion, and death. (2) Christ searches for the lost sinner, following him over the abysses, through thorns, over mountains. He searches until He finds him, or until it has become impossible to find him, because he is lost, because of final obduracy. 5. And when He has found the sheep, when the Sinner does not refuse to seize the hand extended towards him — (1) He lays it upon His shoulders, facilitating the beginning of conversion by imparting abundant graces, so that the sinner is rather carried than proceeds himself. (2) He carries the sheep home to partake again of the communion of saints. (3) He rejoices, and makes His friends and neighbours rejoice with Him. (Repertorium Oratoris Sacri.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he spake this parable unto them, saying, |
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