Session 6: God's Longing for Us

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Prepare:

So far in our Lent retreat, we have considered our deepest longings as invitations to deeper intimacy with God. In today’s session we will focus on God’s great longing for us.

Place your hand upon your chest and take several deep breaths. Feel your chest rise and fall with the breath that brings life to your body. On each inhale, pray, “I am deeply seen and known,” and on each exhale, “For I am dearly beloved by God.”

2:35

Introduction of Scripture:

In today’s session we will hear the parable of the lost sheep and the parable of the lost coin, both stories of a dedicated search for something of great value. Let’s listen together.

Scripture: Luke 15: 1-10

Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.’

So he told them this parable: ‘Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.” Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance.

‘Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbours, saying, “Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.” Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.’

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Pondering the Scripture:

Imagine you are amidst the crowd in this gospel scene, and that you witness the action unfolding. Are you a tax collector, drawing near to hear Jesus speak? Are you one of the Pharisees, frustrated with Jesus, or confused by him? Or are you perhaps an onlooker, as yet uncommitted to a stance? From whatever angle you take in this interaction, take note of what arises within you as you watch it unfold.

Take some time to envision what the shepherd must endure in his search for his lost sheep. Perhaps mud or rain, the heat of the day, rocky terrain or steep climbs. Imagine you are coming along for this search, tired but unrelenting until you find what you seek.

Imagine, next, that you are the woman searching for the lost coin. Imagine the lamp light, the texture of the broom handle against your palms. Feel the pressure on your knees as you kneel down to look in every corner, under every piece of furniture. Enter into the joy you feel when you finally lay your hands on the coin.

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Talk to God:

Call to mind a time when you misplaced something valuable, even something as simple as your keys. Do you remember the frantic searching, the turning over of every stone to find the missing object? Dwell there for a moment, and then imagine that it is God who is searching for you, desperate to find you and bring you home.

Sometimes we’re more apt to consider our longings than the longings of God, but from the first moment of creation, God has loved us with inexpressible passion and desired deep communion with us. Can you feel the power of that love and longing? It is made manifest in the rejoicing in both parables - God the seeker finds each one of us invaluable, irreplaceable. Stay with this feeling for a few moments, letting it wash over you like rainfall.

Jesus tells these parables as an answer to the complaints of the Pharisees and scribes that his love is too inclusive, not stringent enough in judgment. But Jesus will not allow any limits to be placed on his love. Sit for a moment with the assurance that you are deeply beloved, and that nothing can separate you from that love. Offer your gratitude for this gift, however feels most natural to you.

Can you hear God’s gentle call to widen the circle of those with whom you share your table and your life? As you move through your day, ask the seeking spirit of God to open your eyes to anyone who might need a moment of connection, a reminder that they are beloved.

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Closing Prayer:

You have given all to me

To you, Lord, I return it

Everything is Yours, do with what You will

Give me only Your love and Your grace

That is enough for me.

Amen.