In Luke, chapter 15, Jesus teaches three parables describing lost items. You have heard and read these parables a dozen or more times. The first earthly story with a heavenly meaning is the Parable of the Lost Sheep. The third parable is The Prodigal Son.
The second parable, The Parable of the Lost Coin, is sometimes overlooked because it’s short – only three verses. Luke 15:8: “Or what woman having ten coins and losing one would not light a lamp and sweep the house, searching carefully until she finds it…”
This coin was crucial to the woman’s financial livelihood and physical wellbeing. Without it, she would be a pauper and go hungry. Evidently, it was very dark, and she required a lamp to guide her steps and to illuminate the area where she was searching. By using the oil lamp, the woman was depleting her supply of oil. This was a bit of a sacrifice. Oil wasn’t cheap, but she had to use her resources to find that lost coin.
Opening all the drawers and cupboards, the obvious places to find her coin turned out to be futile. Realizing her desperate circumstances, the woman’s determination and perseverance prompted her to pursue a new course of action. Why? Her life hinged on finding that coin! Grabbing a broom, the woman got down to business – sweeping every inch of her home, probably on her hands and knees.
When something we deem to be important is missing in our lives, we will diligently seek and work until we find it. We do not let anything stop us.
Be honest with yourself: How long have you been searching for Jesus? Are you pulling out the drawers and cupboards, only enough to make it look like you’re putting effort into your spiritual life? Maybe it is time to sweep your house and really seek that lost coin.
Where can you start? Open the Bible, read a book about Catholic spirituality, talk to Jesus in prayer, go to confession, join a small faith-building group, adore the Eucharist, and go to Mass. That’s how you’ll find Jesus.
Securely holding that coin in your hand offers you the promise of eternal life. Finders keepers, losers weepers.
Bobby Speers is a writer who lives in Hickory and serves as chairperson of St. Aloysius Church’s evangelization commission.