Prepare the Way

does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? 
Mt.18:12

The Parable of the Lost Sheep tells me we must have a constant eye searching for the lost. This means the Church, by default, is to be outward reaching.

I don't think we're very good at this. We have great programs for those within the fold but we don't know how to "go in search". We spend a lot of time stroking the wool of the one sheep in the penfold but not much in search of the ninety-nine out in the wilderness. 

The Church has me refocus. Isaiah calls out, "A voice cries, ‘Prepare in the wilderness a way for the Lord." 

The world is aching for the babe in the manger. Already my unchurched neighbours have their Christmas trees up and fake snow sprayed on their windows. I don't have to search far to find lost sheep. My wife and I plan to invite them over for Christmas drinks. Maybe this will help prepare the way. 

Saint Joseph, please pray for us.