Daily Readings - Thu Nov 07 2019
Romans
7For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.8For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.9For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.10But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.11For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.12So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on God’s boundless love and mercy, as well as our responsibility to live in a way that reflects His will. In the first reading from Romans, St. Paul reminds us that we belong to the Lord in life and in death. He warns against judging or despising others, emphasizing that each of us will stand before God’s judgment seat. This passage calls us to humility and unity, urging us to focus on our own relationship with God rather than criticizing others.
In the Gospel, Jesus shares two parables—the lost sheep and the lost coin—both of which highlight the joy of finding what was lost. These stories reveal God’s relentless love and desire to bring sinners back to Himself. The Pharisees and scribes, who grumbled about Jesus dining with tax collectors and sinners, are reminded that God’s heart rejoices when even one sinner repents. These parables teach us that no one is beyond God’s reach and that every soul is precious in His eyes.
Together, these readings challenge us to embrace a spirit of compassion and humility. Just as the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep, and the woman searches tirelessly for her lost coin, we are called to seek out those who are lost or estranged, whether they are others or even ourselves. In our daily lives, this means avoiding judgment and instead offering love, patience, and understanding. Let us strive to live in a way that reflects God’s mercy, remembering that we all belong to Him and that every moment is an opportunity to draw closer to His heart.