Daily Readings - Thu Nov 06 2025
Romans
7For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself.8If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's.9For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.10Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God;11for it is written, "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God."12So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.
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 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.