Contemporary Lectionary Prayers
Based Upon Cycle C Lectionary Gospels
Gospel Theme:
Repentance as response
Gospel Note:
It is important to remember that the two parables in today's lesson are offered as an answer to the criticism of the scribes and Pharisees in v. 2 to the effect that Jesus ''accepts'' sinners. The parables indicate that God not only accepts sinners, but goes out of the way to seek them out and restore them, and that repentance is a response to that gracious divine initiative. The ''until'' (as opposed to ''if'') in vv. 4 and 8 suggests that God's pursuit in recovery of the lost is relentless.
