Daily Reading and Questions for Reflection November 7, 2024

Reading 1, Philippians 3:3-8

3  We are the true people of the circumcision since we worship by the Spirit of God and make Christ

Jesus our only boast, not relying on physical qualifications,

4  although, I myself could rely on these too. If anyone does claim to rely on them, my claim is better.

5  Circumcised on the eighth day of my life, I was born of the race of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a

Hebrew born of Hebrew parents. In the matter of the Law, I was a Pharisee;

6  as for religious fervour, I was a persecutor of the Church; as for the uprightness embodied in the Law, I was faultless.

7  But what were once my assets I now through Christ Jesus count as losses.

8  Yes, I will go further: because of the supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, I count everything else as loss. For him I have accepted the loss of all other things, and look on them all as filth if only I can gain Christ

Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 105:2-3, 4-5, 6-7

2  Sing to him, make music for him, recount all his wonders!

3  Glory in his holy name, let the hearts that seek Yahweh rejoice!

4  Seek Yahweh and his strength, tirelessly seek his presence!

5  Remember the marvels he has done, his wonders, the judgements he has spoken.

6  Stock of Abraham, his servant, children of Jacob whom he chose!

7  He is Yahweh our God, his judgements touch the whole world.

Gospel, Luke 15:1-10

1     The tax collectors and sinners, however, were all crowding round to listen to him,

2     and the Pharisees and scribes complained saying, 'This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.'

3     So he told them this parable:

4     'Which one of you with a hundred sheep, if he lost one, would fail to leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the missing one till he found it?

5     And when he found it, would he not joyfully take it on his shoulders

6     and then, when he got home, call together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, "Rejoice with me, I have found my sheep that was lost."

7     In the same way, I tell you, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner repenting than over ninety-nine upright people who have no need of repentance.

8     'Or again, what woman with ten drachmas would not, if she lost one, light a lamp and sweep out the house and search thoroughly till she found it?

9     And then, when she had found it, call together her friends and neighbours, saying to them, "Rejoice with me, I have found the drachma I lost."

10  In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing among the angels of God over one repentant sinner.'

Questions for Reflection for November 7, 2024

1.      With passion, the Apostle Paul, a former persecutor of the Church when he was the Rabbi named Saul, instructs the early Christians that their relationship with Jesus Christ, is the most important thing in life - not the observance of the Law of Moses. We should count everything else as loss. This kind of faith is meant to be manifested in the life of every Christian believer. It requires our continual response to grace - and our daily choice to put Jesus first. Are we doing that?

2.      Notice how David always recounts the goodness of God in his life. How he continuously thanks God for caring for Him and guiding him. It is not wonder that he is always ready to praise and worship the Lord. When he focuses on his problems, which he sometimes does, he still thanks God. In other words, he chooses to put God first, and not himself, and finds joy as a result. Do we?

3.      Thank God Jesus did eat with sinners and come into their homes. He still does, and we are numbered among them. He is the Good Shepherd who searches for the lost sheep. No-one is outside of the embrace of a loving God. He calls all men and women to repentance, which means turning away from sin and wrong choices and turning toward Him. 

He is the one who makes it possible for us to be born anew and begin again. And, that wonderful message is called the Gospel, which means the Good News. We are called to hear it and share it. Are we doing so?