The good shepherd left the 99 sheep where there is good pasture, the necessary food for them, and went in search of the one that fled, deceived by the king of lies. She managed to outsmart her guardian, remaining without the protection that was given to her. While counting his sheep, the shepherd noticed one was missing and set out to find it, calling it until he heard its bleat.

Job done! The shepherd returned and put the flock in the pen, where there is protection against predators. Then, he arrived home, called his friends and neighbors, and told them about the scare he had. Well, the shepherd had seen the sheep being born and rejoiced over it, for it was a blessing from Heaven.

When we tell others everything special that happens to us, we prepare them, under the guidance of the Most High, to be attentive when something similar happens to them. We will give an account to God for our children, who are a heritage from the Lord and have been entrusted to our care. We must instruct them correctly to serve the Father. We are responsible for sharing with them and with others the revelations of the Word, which will help them resist temptations.

The account of the incident must be complete: both the loss of not having the sheep with us and the effort we undertook to recover it. We need to talk about the sadness that almost took over our hearts and the moment we heard a bleat, when hope resurfaced, leading us to increase our effort to follow its trail. Great was the expectation as we got closer to it, until we found it!

Now, it is not correct to take credit for having found it. This was only possible because the Lord heard our prayer and helped us. It was the work of the Almighty! When we beseech His help, His promises will be fulfilled. God is faithful at all times. Therefore, never let a lie cross your lips when saying that you recovered your sheep using your perception.

The shepherd called friends and neighbors to share his joy with them, and they accepted the invitation. Friends may invite you someday for a celebration, and when that happens, attend them. Go with pleasure and, when you can, mention divine goodness. If possible, explain to them what it means to love God and speak of the reward He will one day give to those who love Him. The good seed planted produces!

People who love the Heavenly Father should pray and wait for the time when the Father will open an opportunity for them. Respecting the lost, in their spiritual ignorance, will open the door to effective evangelization. Those who wait on the Lord will inherit the Earth and lead lost souls to salvation. Christ is our Example, so intercede with faith for those who are not yet in His fold!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares