Daily Readings - Thu Nov 03 2022
Philippians
3For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh--4though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put 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; in regard to the law, a Pharisee;6as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.7But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ
Luke
1Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him.2But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."3Then Jesus told them this parable:4"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?5And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders6and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.'7I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.8"Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?9And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.'10In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound reflections on humility, love, and repentance. The first reading from Philippians reveals Paul's journey from a life of strict adherence to Jewish law to a humble devotion to Christ. He shares how his once-valued achievements became insignificant compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus. This transformation underscores the idea that true spiritual wealth lies not in earthly accomplishments but in a deep relationship with God.
The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus's parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin, illustrating God's boundless joy in the repentance of even one sinner. These parables, directed at the Pharisees and scribes, challenge the notion that only the righteous deserve attention. Instead, they highlight God's love for all, emphasizing that each soul is precious and worthy of redemption.
These readings remind us to embrace humility and openness to God's love. In our daily lives, we are called to recognize our own need for repentance and to find joy in spiritual growth. Let us approach life with humility, acknowledging our limitations and trusting in God's grace. By doing so, we not only find personal transformation but also become instruments of God's love, reaching out to others with compassion and care.