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Gospel Reading for November 7, 2024 -Luke 15: 1-10
REDEEMER
The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So Jesus addressed this parable to them. “What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it? And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance. “Or what woman having ten coins and losing one would not light a lamp and sweep the house, searching carefully until she finds it? And when she does find it, she calls together her friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found the coin that I lost.’ In just the same way, I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
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If we call ourselves Christians and yet always focus on the sins of others around us and even look down on them, thinking we are far better than them, then there must be something wrong with us because we are just modern-day Pharisees. Christ never focused on the sins committed, but on the sinners’ capability to rise above their sins. He is truly the REDEEMER. As Christians, we are called to take part in Christ’s salvific mission, therefore, to also not focus on the sins committed, but on the sinners’ capability to rise above their sins, so that as ONE PEOPLE OF GOD, we may journey towards the Father in eternal life.
Lord Jesus, you are truly the Good Shepherd who never ceases to look for those of us who get lost. We look forward to that day when you will gather all of us into one fold and be with the Father eternally!
