PARABLES OF MERCY. The parables in today’s Gospel all speak of the mercy of God. When we stray from the right path, God comes looking for us, not to condemn us but to offer us forgiveness. If we are contrite, God will lift us up and carry us back to the community, as a shepherd carries a stray sheep back to the flock. What great rejoicing there will be in our reunion with God and with the community.