The good shepherd leaves the 99 and searches for the lost sheep. But today, one could say we have to leave the one and search for the 99.
The parable of the Good Shepherd is not meant to cast negative light upon those who strive to be religious, faithful and devout.
Rather, it gives a glimpse into the heart of God. God is merciful! God shows mercy on lost souls.
Let's say: if I am lost, and I think that there is no hope for me to change. If I have done so many bad things in my life that I deserve eternal punishment. If I think my sinful actions are unforgivable. If I do certain kinds of things habitually. And going to church or practicing the faith won't do me any good because I'll just do them again. Why should I bother going to confessions since I will do it again.
These kinds of thoughts are not helpful and dangerous for the soul. If I think along these lines, I am mistaken. I'm merely making excuses for not trying harder.
It's because I'm think that I'm so far beyond repair. By thinking this way, I don't allow the Divine Physician to repair me and fix me up and make things right again.
No matter how far away I am. No matter how lost I may be. But I'm not far beyond the reach of those crucified hands.
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