At St Paul’s Presbyterian Church, Gujranwala, Pakistan
I gave this meditation on Luke 15:1-10 at the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Pakistan in Gujranwala on 20 November 2025, after reading a message of solidarity from Rita Famos, President of the Protestant Church in Switzerland. I was accompanied by Olivier Fleury. We presented the JC2033 initiative for the 2000th anniversary of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Introduction: Two parables that end in celebration
The two parables in Luke 15, the lost sheep and the lost coin, both end with a celebration. This is not a detail: Jesus wants to show that God’s heart rejoices when human beings return to him.
In the same way, the path to 2033 — the 2000th anniversary of the Resurrection — is a path to celebration. We are walking towards a great celebration, but one that has conditions. It will arise from two essential spiritual realities: repentance and perseverance.
1. Repentance: the joy of heaven
Jesus says, ‘There is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance’ (Luke 15:
The path to 2033 is first and foremost a path back to God. A path of holiness, humility, and recognition of our poverty. Heavenly joy springs forth when man allows God to touch his heart and transform his life.
Let us prepare for 2033 by reviving this inner movement: returning to the Father, allowing the light of Christ to purify us, asking for forgiveness, and being reconciled. We need this every day.
2. Perseverance: not stopping along the way
The second key is perseverance.
– First, that of the shepherd: he crosses mountains and valleys, he takes risks, he does not get discouraged. Finding his sheep is his only priority.
– Then there is the perseverance of the woman: she searches her house from top to bottom, sweeps, lights up, and searches tirelessly for her small coin.
The Letter to the Hebrews reminds us: ‘You need perseverance’ (10:36).
To move forward together towards 2033, we need this perseverance. It is worthwhile because it leads to joy.
3. The fruit: joy and generosity
When the sheep and the coin are found, everyone is invited to celebrate.
The woman organises a celebration that will cost her much more than the small coin she found. The shepherd, for his part, may have slaughtered several sheep for the feast!
Joy produces generosity.
And isn’t being a minister, being a disciple of Christ, becoming a cause of joy for others and for heaven? Isn’t that a beautiful definition of ministry?
In recent days, we have experienced this generosity in Pakistan. When we arrived at 2 a.m., five pastors were waiting for us at the airport with flowers in their hands. Throughout the meetings and celebrations, we were surrounded by attention and fraternal warmth.
4. The contrast: murmuring
But then the Gospel introduces a contrast: the Pharisees murmur against Jesus.
There will always be religious or self-righteous people who criticise, suspect and discourage. They, who should have guided the people to God and been a source of joy, instead act as accusers.
Jesus, however, does not dwell on these murmurs. He proclaims mercy and walks towards those who need to be saved.
On the road to 2033, we too sometimes encounter murmuring: criticism, resistance, misunderstanding.
Let us welcome them: sometimes they force us to reflect.
But let us never allow them to paralyse us. Let us move forward together, encouraging and welcoming one another in our diversity.
Conclusion: Towards great joy in 2033
May the celebrations of the 2000th anniversary of the Resurrection be an explosion of joy, a source of generosity, and a moment when hearts will be touched, even pierced, by the presence of the Risen One.
May many turn to the Lord, discover his mercy and, in turn, become generous towards their neighbours.
For Jesus said, ‘There is more joy in giving than in receiving.’
Let us walk towards 2033 with repentance, perseverance and joy. And may our lives become a celebration for heaven!
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