The Ninety and Nine
SATB Choir and Organ. This setting of the "lost sheep" parable from Luke 15:3-7, with original words by the composer, is a tender anthem that would fit on Good Shepherd Sunday or when the text comes up in Year C. The interludes cleverly quote Savior, Like a Shepherd, Lead Us.
A shepherd in the wilderness
who has a hundred sheep
When one is lost, does he not seek the one
and leave the ninety-nine themselves to keep?
The shepherd goes into the night
on mountaintop or desert bare
to seek the one, the truly lost and lone,
the one who needs the shepherd's love and care.
And when the shepherd finds his lamb,
so frightened and alone,
He lifts it to his shoulders and gives thanks to God
that now his flock is whole.
When he is once again returned,
Rejoicing for the one he holds,
All heaven sings and celebrates far more for this lost one,
Than for the ninety-nine within the fold.
Make us your shepherds, loving Christ,
That we might each become
one who will seek the lost,
When one is found,
Your kingdom comes, Lord Christ, your kingdom comes.