Daily Readings - Thu Nov 05 2020

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

The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of God’s love and mercy, as well as our own relationship with Him. In the first reading from Philippians, St. Paul humbly shares his journey of conversion. Once a proud Pharisee with impeccable credentials, he came to realize that all his earthly accomplishments were worthless compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ. He describes his former life as “dung” in order to emphasize the radical shift in his priorities after encountering Jesus. This passage reminds us that true worth is not found in external achievements or status but in a deep, personal relationship with God. In the Gospel, Jesus tells two parables—the lost sheep and the lost coin—to illustrate the boundless joy of God in finding what was lost. These parables were directed at the Pharisees and scribes who criticized Jesus for dining with tax collectors and sinners. Jesus’ message is clear: God’s heart is always oriented toward those who are farthest from Him, and His mercy is not limited to the righteous. The parables also remind us that we are all called to seek the lost and to rejoice when they return to God. This is not just a task for the clergy or the devout; it is the mission of every Christian. As we apply these readings to our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: What are the “losses” we need to embrace in order to gain Christ more fully? Are there areas of our lives where we cling to pride, status, or material comforts instead of seeking a deeper relationship with God? Let us also remember that we are all called to be instruments of God’s mercy. Like the shepherd and the woman in the parables, we are to seek out those who are lost—whether they are our neighbors, friends, or even our own family members—and bring them closer to the heart of God. In doing so, we not only reflect God’s love but also share in the joy of heaven itself.