Daily Readings - Thu Nov 06 2025
Romans
7For none of us lives for himself, and none of us dies for himself8For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord9For Christ died and rose again for this purpose: that he might be the ruler of both the dead and the living10So then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you despise your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ11For it is written: "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bend to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.12And so, each one of us shall offer an explanation of himself to God
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 are reminded of the profound truths about living for the Lord and God’s boundless love for sinners. The first reading from Romans 14:7-12 emphasizes that our lives are not our own but belong to the Lord, whether in life or death. Paul urges us not to judge one another, as each of us will stand before God’s judgment seat. This passage underscores the accountability each believer has to God, encouraging humility and compassion towards others.
The Gospel from Luke 15:1-10 presents two parables—the lost sheep and the lost coin—highlighting God’s joy in the repentance of sinners. Jesus shares these stories in response to the Pharisees’ criticism of His association with tax collectors and sinners. The parables illustrate God’s active pursuit of the lost, revealing that His love is not limited to the righteous but extends to all, especially those who have strayed. This teaches us that every soul is precious to God, and His mercy is infinite.
These readings connect in their emphasis on God’s sovereignty and mercy. While Romans focuses on our accountability to God, Luke’s parables reveal God’s relentless love for sinners. Together, they call us to reflect God’s compassion in our lives, avoiding judgment and rejoicing in the repentance of others. Let us embrace this truth, living with humility and joy, knowing that each return to God brings celebration in heaven.