Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: November 7, 2024

Date: Thursday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text: LUKE 15:1-10

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.”

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today reminds us of the LORD’s desire for all of us. In the first parable, Jesus also speaks to us of the LORD’s care for us personally. Jesus came for us, sinners, He came so that we might have life in abundance.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How grateful am I for the salvation Christ died to give me?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your only-begotten Son to us as our brother. He took on our human nature and took upon himself our sins even though He himself was sinless. Through His selfless sacrifice upon the cross of Calvary, He redeemed us. Send your Spirit to help us recognize your love for us, His love for us. Grant that we may respond accordingly, with authentic and loving gratitude and that we may seek to remain in You and with You. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.