Dear Friends,

“Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninty-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”

Today’s Gospel reading centers around the parables of the lost: the Lost Sheep, the Lost Silver Coin and the Lost (or Prodigal) Son. In the beginning of the Gospel reading the pharisees and scribes critize Christ for associating with sinners. Christ tells the Parables of the Lost in respnse to associating with sinners.

The emphasis of the parables is not on being lost but on returning. The Shepherd finds the lost sheep and brings it home. The woman searches diligently for the lost silver coin until she finds it. And the father of the prodigal son rejoices when his son returns home. All of these parables demonstrate and represent the loving kindness of our Heavenly Father.

During this period of Great Lent let us remember the love God has shown us. Let us direct our lives so that through our words and actions we may show our Christian love towards our Heavenly Father. And let us keep in mind that God is waiting for us, ready to embrace us as we turn toward Him and journey home.

With blessings,
Rev. Fr. Sahak M. Kaishian
Interim Pastor
March 8, 2009