Daily Readings - Thu Nov 03 2022
Philippians
3For we are the circumcised, we who serve God in the Spirit and who glory in Christ Jesus, having no confidence in the flesh4Nevertheless, I might have confidence also in the flesh, for if anyone else seems to have confidence in the flesh, more so do I5For I was circumcised on the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, from the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew among Hebrews. According to the law, I was a Pharisee6according to zeal, I persecuted the Church of God; according to the justice that is in the law, I lived without blame7But the things which had been to my gain, the same have I considered a loss, for the sake of Christ8Yet truly, I consider everything to be a loss, because of the preeminent knowledge of Jesus Christ, my Lord, for whose sake I have suffered the loss of everything, considering it all to be like dung, so that I may gain Christ
Luke
1Now tax collectors and sinners were drawing near to him, so that they might listen to him2And the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, "This one accepts sinners and eats with them.3And he told this parable to them, saying4"What man among you, who has one hundred sheep, and if he will have lost one of them, would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the one whom he had lost, until he finds it5And when he has found it, he places it on his shoulders, rejoicing6And returning home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them: ‘Congratulate me! For I have found my sheep, which had been lost.7I say to you, that there will be so much more joy in heaven over one sinner repenting, than over the ninety-nine just, who do not need to repent8Or what woman, having ten drachmas, if she will have lost one drachma, would not light a candle, and sweep the house, and diligently search until she finds it9And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying: ‘Rejoice with me! For I have found the drachma, which I had lost.10So I say to you, there will be joy before the Angels of God over even one sinner who is repentant.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound reflections on humility, love, and repentance. The first reading from Philippians reveals Paul's journey from a life of strict adherence to Jewish law to a humble devotion to Christ. He shares how his once-valued achievements became insignificant compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus. This transformation underscores the idea that true spiritual wealth lies not in earthly accomplishments but in a deep relationship with God.
The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus's parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin, illustrating God's boundless joy in the repentance of even one sinner. These parables, directed at the Pharisees and scribes, challenge the notion that only the righteous deserve attention. Instead, they highlight God's love for all, emphasizing that each soul is precious and worthy of redemption.
These readings remind us to embrace humility and openness to God's love. In our daily lives, we are called to recognize our own need for repentance and to find joy in spiritual growth. Let us approach life with humility, acknowledging our limitations and trusting in God's grace. By doing so, we not only find personal transformation but also become instruments of God's love, reaching out to others with compassion and care.