Page 489 - Bible History

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462 CHRIST REDEEMS THE WO D
The Pharisees criticized our blessed Savior for as- sociating with sinners. They were scandalized when He permitted Mary Magdalen to kiss His feet. They were shocked when He dined in the house of the publi­ can. Whenever publicans and sinners drew near unto Him to listen to Him, the Pharisees murmured and said, ''This man receiveth sinners and eateth with them.''
Jesus said to them, " hat man of you that hath an hundred sheep, and if he shall lose one of them, doth he not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after that which was lost until he nd it; and when he hath found it, lay it upon his shoulders rejoicing, and com­ ing home, call together his friends and neighbors, say­ ing to them, 'Rejoice with me because. I have found my sheep that was lost' f I say to you that even so there shall be joy in Heaven upon one sinner that doth penance, more than upon ninety-nine just who need not penance. Or what woman, having ten coins, if she lose on coin, doth not light a candle and sweep the house and seek diligently until she nd it; and when she hath found it, call together her friends and neighbors, say­ ing. 'Rejoice with me because I have found the coin which I had lost'f So I say to you, there shall be joy before the angels of God, upon one sinner doing penance.''
Then our Savior spoke to them the following beauti- ful parable: ''A certam man had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me now my share of thy fortune.' So the father divided
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