Daily Readings - Thu Nov 08 2018

Philippians

3For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.4Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:5Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;6Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.7But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.8Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

Luke

1Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.2And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.3And he spake this parable unto them, saying,4What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?5And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.6And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.7I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.8Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?9And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.10Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

Sermon

In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful reflections on what it means to seek and find God. The first reading from Philippians reveals St. Paul’s dramatic conversion of heart. Once a Pharisee who trusted in his own righteousness and achievements, Paul came to realize that all his earthly credentials were worthless compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ. He describes his former life as “dung” in comparison to the treasure of union with Jesus. This is not a rejection of his Jewish heritage but a recognition that true righteousness comes not from outward observance but from a living relationship with Christ. The Gospel from Luke complements this theme through the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin. These stories, told in response to the Pharisees’ criticism of Jesus for dining with sinners, reveal the heart of God as a shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep and a woman who sweeps her house tirelessly to recover a single lost coin. These parables are not just charming tales; they are profound revelations of God’s relentless love for each individual, especially those who feel lost or marginalized. The joy celebrated in heaven over one repentant sinner far exceeds the comfort of those who think they are already righteous. These readings invite us to reflect on our own lives. Are there areas where we, like Paul, cling to false sources of security or identity? Do we, like the shepherd and the woman, value each person as uniquely precious to God? Let us ask for the grace to let go of what is lesser so that we might gain what is truly lasting. And let us remember that no one is beyond God’s reach. His love is always seeking us, always rejoicing when we return to Him.