Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
Luke 15:6-7
What makes God happy? In a word, us. How often do we consider that? God made us in His image that we could be in relationship with Him. What makes God sad? Again, it’s us. I doubt there is anything that hurts God worse then the way we sometimes treat Him and our brothers and sisters.
In this story we hear of a shepherd finding a lost sheep, and upon returning home he calls his friends together to celebrate his happiness. Jesus then tells us that God feels this way when one of us, His wayward sheep, accepts the relationship He offers and gives up sinful ways. God wants to bring all of us home to Him.
Part of the meaning for this parable is to explain why Jesus seeks the last, the least and the lost. He tells those who are already connected to God that they make God happy every day with their faithfulness, but when one who was not previously faithful accepts that relationship, God rejoices. We are all called to help those who are lost find their way back.
Loving Lord, forgive us for the pain we cause by the way we treat You and others. May we turn from our foolish ways and once again be the reason that You rejoice. Amen.