The lost sheep

       I just finished a good murder mystery novel where one of the protagonists was gay. The scene started with high school kids and the cliques that invariably ensue in such an environment. The rich snobs, the geeks, goth, jocks and on it goes.  How they interacted was an interesting play for the writer. All in all, not a bad read.

       I can't help but think of that book when I was reading this mornings passage from Luke.

Quite often in society there is a trend to stay mainstream. You want to be with the masses and if you don't accept one or more of the prevailing major views you are an outcast.  This is certainly true of the LGBTQ community who are viewed with skepticism, hatred, and certainly gross misunderstanding. The only group I might say that is more 'out there' are LGBTQ Republicans whom I still have an aneurysm trying to comprehend. Be all that as it may, Jesus is letting us know how valuable the outsiders are.

        Jesus seemed to have a penchant for seeking out the outcasts. From the tax collector to the prostitutes, to Samaritans, to the Roman Centurion, all were lower in the accepted societal standing of the time. Jesus had woman friends and spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well who was far beneath what the norms of the time would consider as acceptable behavior. One of Jesus' most famous parables is about the prodigal son, the young chap who bucked all convention, went outside accepted behavior and from all reports led quite a stunningly dissolute life while squandering his dad's money. The end of that story we know involved the father's celebration at the son's return. 

         God loves every single one of us. If you are part of one of the major cliques that seem to thrive - kudo's to you.  We should always be aware though that the world is not black and white and that there is more to life than picking a side or clique. God's creation is a broad tapestry of diversity and God calls all of us, even those at the fringes of the tapestry. Those fringes are perhaps the most beloved part in their uniqueness and as an exemplar of God's magnificent creation. God seeks out the lost sheep, the fringes, the ones who 'don't fit in' or who are not accepted by the masses. 

        We need to know, and live to the full, that God loves every single one of Her creations.

Luke 15:1-10

Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him.And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.’

 So he told them this parable: ‘Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.” Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance.

 ‘Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it?When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbours, saying, “Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.” Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.’