Daily Readings - Thu Nov 06 2025
Romans
7For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone.8If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.9For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.10You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat.11It is written: "'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.'"12So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.
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 are reminded of the profound truths about living for the Lord and God’s boundless love for sinners. The first reading from Romans 14:7-12 emphasizes that our lives are not our own but belong to the Lord, whether in life or death. Paul urges us not to judge one another, as each of us will stand before God’s judgment seat. This passage underscores the accountability each believer has to God, encouraging humility and compassion towards others.
The Gospel from Luke 15:1-10 presents two parables—the lost sheep and the lost coin—highlighting God’s joy in the repentance of sinners. Jesus shares these stories in response to the Pharisees’ criticism of His association with tax collectors and sinners. The parables illustrate God’s active pursuit of the lost, revealing that His love is not limited to the righteous but extends to all, especially those who have strayed. This teaches us that every soul is precious to God, and His mercy is infinite.
These readings connect in their emphasis on God’s sovereignty and mercy. While Romans focuses on our accountability to God, Luke’s parables reveal God’s relentless love for sinners. Together, they call us to reflect God’s compassion in our lives, avoiding judgment and rejoicing in the repentance of others. Let us embrace this truth, living with humility and joy, knowing that each return to God brings celebration in heaven.