Daily Readings - Thu Nov 07 2024
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of conversion, the joy of finding what was lost, and the transformative power of God’s love. In the first reading from Philippians, St. Paul speaks of his own journey of faith, recounting his impressive credentials as a Pharisee and his zeal for the law. Yet, he humbly acknowledges that all these accomplishments, which once defined him, are now considered “loss” in comparison to the surpassing value of knowing Christ. This passage reminds us that our true identity and worth are rooted not in our achievements or outward appearances, but in our relationship with Jesus.
The Gospel from Luke presents two parables: the lost sheep and the lost coin. Both stories highlight the relentless love of God, who seeks out the one who is lost and rejoices when they are found. The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to find the one stray sheep, and the woman sweeps her house to recover the single lost coin. These parables are not just charming tales; they reveal the heart of God, who desires the salvation of every soul. Jesus’ critics, the Pharisees and scribes, grumbled because they saw themselves as the “righteous” ones, but Jesus’ message is clear: God’s mercy is not limited to the already virtuous; it extends to all, especially those who recognize their need for repentance.
These readings challenge us to examine our own hearts. Are we like St. Paul, willing to let go of our pride and self-reliance to embrace the humility of following Christ? Or are we like the Pharisees, content with our own perceived righteousness while neglecting the needs of others? The parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin remind us that every person has value in God’s eyes and that no one is beyond the reach of His love. Let us strive to live with the same compassion and joy, seeking to bring others closer to God and rejoicing when they find their way. May we, like St. Paul, consider everything else as “loss” compared to the treasure of knowing Christ, and may we, like the shepherd and the woman, find joy in the discovery of what truly matters.