Daily Readings - Thu Nov 03 2022
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
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.