Pray with an Ignatian contemplation on the Parable of the Lost Sheep from Luke 15:4–7. This exercise is inspired by Step Two in The Ignatian Guide to Forgiveness.
The exercise is provided as a video for those who appreciate some visual accompaniment to lead them into prayer and as an audio file for those who prefer to close their eyes during the reflection time.
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Thank you Marina.
What matters that comes to me in the first place of this video, is the love of the father to me whome upon my returning to his home cloth and celebrate a banquet with me with a ring as a symbol of accepting me back to his home from where I’ve been. The Church in its symbolic meaning is my home and hope of salvation wherein someday soon i am coming back. The Sacraments of Confession also comes to mind in the parable, for without sorrow and repentance of sin how will the father recognize the son’s coming to his home.
Love this.
“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning” (Joel 2:12)
Thanks, Marina. Meaningful reflection. Great setting, the sheep, the meadows, the green. Wonderful.
Thanks to you for the comments!
Thank you. It was a wonderful experience. I feel love.
I’m glad you had a loving experience.
Yes, I found it very helpful to having the video as a visual reference and at one moment I got this sense of being carried by Jesus on his as the shepherd I being the lost sheep and the deepfelt feeling of Jesus telling me I will never give up on you. 🙂
How beautiful to be carried by Jesus. May God continue to bless you.
To me the reflection and visualization reminds me of the Father’s great love for me when I miss the mark….this same love and tenderness and acceptance are gifts that, if I can get out of the way and recieve and forgive myself, that I later can extend that loving forgiveness out to others, knowing I too am flawed. God’s grace is a healing balm.
I love that idea of receiving God’s love to then love ourselves first and then also others in a way that reflects that divine love, received and shared. Thanks for your comment.
Many thoughtful suggests to help me explore more deeply the parables personal messages for me.
Suggest listeners control the pace by tapping the pause button whenever they want more time to savor a suggestion offered by the narrator.
Thank you for helping me go deeper. Looking forward to next meditation.
Good idea, John, to let us slow down the pace.
This is a form of prayer you can use with any Biblical story, such as the Sunday Scripture.
Audio was not loud enough in either format.
Thank you for the visual accompaniment. It’s very helpful for those who learn better with visualisation 🙂