Daily Readings - Thu Nov 07 2024
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 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.