Seek & Save That Which Was Lost

"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19:10

Luke's Gospel has references to a king returning (Luke 19:27) or sending his son (Luke 20:13) and of course the famous parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke15:11-32). In some cases he is speaking of what he will find upon his return (were they good stewards?) or if his property has been stolen or taken over (will they kill the messenger?) or in the case of the Prodigal Son (what happens after someone is lost?)

There are several layers to observe in Sacred Scripture readings, two specifically I will attempt to explain. In the literal sense there is a moral lesson to each of these parables. It is wise to manage your resources and those of whom are responsible to. It is also not a good idea to steal from those whom you are entrusted to. And it is not a good idea to squander all that was given to you. These are of course sound moral lessons that one could agree make a great deal of sense. Of course we recognize that there is another dimension to this and it is on a spiritual level.

First let's look at it from the perspective of salvation history: Adam & Eve failed to manage was was given to them, they took what was not theirs, and subsequently squandered everything.

Likewise Israel, God's chosen people failed to follow God's instructions, by worshiping false idols and marrying into families with pagan cults, they were in essence stealing what belong solely to God. They squandered all that was given, conquered and sent into exile, and in time they Temple was going be destroyed, never to built again.

Finally on a personal spiritual level: We possess gifts and talents that are to be used for the greater glory of God, we too are to give God what is rightfully His and not to steal from Him by worshiping the "false gods' of today - money, power, sexual lust. We should not squander this precious gift of Jesus, who avails Himself to us in the Sacramental life.

Who is it then that Jesus seeks to save? First - the life that was lost by Adam & Eve, next the kingdom that was lost by Israel, and finally all of us lost through sinfulness. Jesus' power accomplishes all these things through the Blood of the Cross.