Mt 18:12-14 A Love That Seeks the Lost

Year A, Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Advent

In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us a tender image of a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to search for the one that is lost. As we enter the second week of Advent, the theme of Love shines brightly and reminds us that God’s love is never passive—it is a love that pursues, searches, and restores.  

Last week, Hope invited us to say, “Maranatha—come, Lord Jesus,” and today Love shows us how deeply God desires to come close to us. The shepherd’s choice to leave the ninety-nine may seem unreasonable, but it reveals a love that values each person uniquely and personally. Jesus reassures us that it is never the Father’s will that even one of His little ones be lost—not you, not the people you worry about, not those who feel far from faith.

Advent Love seeks us in our fears, our wounds, and the places we feel most fragile. It whispers that we matter, that we are worth looking for, and that God never grows tired of searching for our hearts. Perhaps some part of our life feels “lost”—our peace, direction, or confidence—or perhaps there is someone we love who feels far away. Jesus invites us to allow Him to carry us like the shepherd carries the lost sheep, not with judgment but with joy and tenderness. Love does not scold; it heals. Love does not give up; it perseveres.  

As we walk this Advent journey, may we trust that we are always the beloved sheep the Good Shepherd seeks—and may we learn to love others with that same patient, searching love.

Question to Ponder: Where in my life do I need to let Jesus’ shepherding love find me—and who might be the “one sheep” I am called to reach out to this week?

With Love and Prayers

Your Co-Traveler

Fr. Leo Payyappilly