Daily Readings - Thu Nov 05 2020
Philippians
3For we are the real circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh--4though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more:5circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;6as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness, under the law blameless.7But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.8Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ
Luke
1Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him.2And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, "This man receives sinners and eats with them."3So he told them this parable:4"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?5And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.6And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.'7Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.8"Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it?9And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.'10Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of God’s love and mercy, as well as our own relationship with Him. In the first reading from Philippians, St. Paul humbly shares his journey of conversion. Once a proud Pharisee with impeccable credentials, he came to realize that all his earthly accomplishments were worthless compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ. He describes his former life as “dung” in order to emphasize the radical shift in his priorities after encountering Jesus. This passage reminds us that true worth is not found in external achievements or status but in a deep, personal relationship with God.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells two parables—the lost sheep and the lost coin—to illustrate the boundless joy of God in finding what was lost. These parables were directed at the Pharisees and scribes who criticized Jesus for dining with tax collectors and sinners. Jesus’ message is clear: God’s heart is always oriented toward those who are farthest from Him, and His mercy is not limited to the righteous. The parables also remind us that we are all called to seek the lost and to rejoice when they return to God. This is not just a task for the clergy or the devout; it is the mission of every Christian.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: What are the “losses” we need to embrace in order to gain Christ more fully? Are there areas of our lives where we cling to pride, status, or material comforts instead of seeking a deeper relationship with God? Let us also remember that we are all called to be instruments of God’s mercy. Like the shepherd and the woman in the parables, we are to seek out those who are lost—whether they are our neighbors, friends, or even our own family members—and bring them closer to the heart of God. In doing so, we not only reflect God’s love but also share in the joy of heaven itself.