Homily for Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Advent

The decision of the shepherd in today's Gospel passage seems unrealistic or even foolish. He left ninety-nine sheep on the hillside and searched for one sheep that had wandered off and, perhaps, into danger. Why would the shepherd leave the rest of the flock untended and in danger to go off in search of the lost one? Why would he risk the ninety-nine for the sake of one that went astray? The attitude of the shepherd is the opposite of that of Caiaphas, the high priest "who had counseled the Jews that it was better that one man should die rather than the people."

The shepherd in today's parable did not share that practical outlook. The shepherd was an image of God and, indeed, of Jesus's caring outlook. God in Jesus is concerned about the lost one. The Lord values each of us; He calls each of us by name; none of us is worthless in His sight. He cares equally for each one of us.