Daily Readings - Thu Nov 07 2024
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of conversion, the joy of finding what was lost, and the transformative power of God’s love. In the first reading from Philippians, St. Paul speaks of his own journey of faith, recounting his impressive credentials as a Pharisee and his zeal for the law. Yet, he humbly acknowledges that all these accomplishments, which once defined him, are now considered “loss” in comparison to the surpassing value of knowing Christ. This passage reminds us that our true identity and worth are rooted not in our achievements or outward appearances, but in our relationship with Jesus.
The Gospel from Luke presents two parables: the lost sheep and the lost coin. Both stories highlight the relentless love of God, who seeks out the one who is lost and rejoices when they are found. The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to find the one stray sheep, and the woman sweeps her house to recover the single lost coin. These parables are not just charming tales; they reveal the heart of God, who desires the salvation of every soul. Jesus’ critics, the Pharisees and scribes, grumbled because they saw themselves as the “righteous” ones, but Jesus’ message is clear: God’s mercy is not limited to the already virtuous; it extends to all, especially those who recognize their need for repentance.
These readings challenge us to examine our own hearts. Are we like St. Paul, willing to let go of our pride and self-reliance to embrace the humility of following Christ? Or are we like the Pharisees, content with our own perceived righteousness while neglecting the needs of others? The parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin remind us that every person has value in God’s eyes and that no one is beyond the reach of His love. Let us strive to live with the same compassion and joy, seeking to bring others closer to God and rejoicing when they find their way. May we, like St. Paul, consider everything else as “loss” compared to the treasure of knowing Christ, and may we, like the shepherd and the woman, find joy in the discovery of what truly matters.