Scout

The cub named ‘Scout’ left the comfort of his shelter, curious of what was outside. Mama Lion was out searching for food, while Papa Lion was taking a nap. There was much to see and soon enough a giant python took notice of him. Afraid that Papa Lion would find out of his evil plan, the snake rolled a red apple in front of the cub. The innocent one played with the bait that was leading towards the snake’s den. A number of animals scampered away afraid of the snake’s wrath. There were others that called out the cub, but as the young lion failed to notice them, they went away as well.

A one-legged rabbit named ‘Wounded’ noticed the danger that faced ‘Scout’. He hopped towards the cub unmindful of his own safety. This angered the snake that he accidentally hit the apple hard that it rolled down in another direction as ‘Scout’ followed it.

A strong paw stopped the apple and when ‘Scout’ looked up, he leaped with joy – it was Mama Lion. Python had cornered ‘Wounded’ who could do nothing but pray. Before the snake could snap at him, the rabbit heard a loud roar that echoed through the forest. Papa Lion was advancing towards the snake that scampered away leaving ‘Wounded’ unharmed. Mama Lion and ‘Scout’ joined Papa Lion in thanking rabbit for his courage and heroism.

Over the weekend, a frantic mother was looking for her teenage son who left home when scolded about having a girlfriend at so young an age.   For 12 hours they searched for the boy, and even had the help of the police. They found him walking in the street, hungry and forlorn.  The entire family was overjoyed with the boy’s safe return.

In a Mass on November 7, 2013, Pope Francis in his homily following the reading on the parables of the lost sheep and coin, said “God is not a good loser, and this is why, in order not to lose, He goes out on his own, and He goes, He searches…He searches for all those who are far away from Him, like the shepherd who goes to search for the lost sheep.”

At times, we get lost, and seem not to find our way back. Be patient. God is sending out a search party to rescue you.

“I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them in justice.” (Ezekiel 34:16)