First Reading: Philippians 3:3-8a
For we are the circumcision, who in spirit serve God and glory in Christ Jesus, not having confidence in the flesh.
Though I myself might also have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he can have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised on the eighth day, of the race of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews, according to the law a Pharisee, according to zeal persecuting the Church of God, according to the righteousness that is in the law living without blame.
But the things that were gain to me, those I have counted as loss for Christ. Furthermore I count all things as loss for the sake of the surpassing knowledge of Jesus Christ my Lord.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 105:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
R. Let hearts rejoice who search for the Lord. or Alleluia.
Alleluia: Matthew 11:28
Gospel: Luke 15:1-10
Now the tax collectors and sinners were drawing near to Him to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying: This man receives sinners and eats with them.
And He spoke to them this parable, saying: What man among you who has a hundred sheep, and if he loses one of them, does he not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the one that was lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it upon his shoulders rejoicing, and coming home he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them: Rejoice with me, because I have found my sheep that was lost.
I say to you that even so there shall be joy in heaven over one sinner doing penance, more than over ninety-nine just persons who need no penance.
Or what woman having ten coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying: Rejoice with me, because I have found the coin which I had lost. So I say to you, there shall be joy before the angels of God over one sinner doing penance.
Reflection
Paul had a perfect resume - Hebrew of Hebrews, Pharisee, zealous, blameless under the law. He could have boasted. But he says, all that was gain to me, I now count as loss for Christ. Why? Because knowing Jesus is worth more than everything else.
Jesus shows what that looks like. Tax collectors and sinners are coming close to hear Him. The religious people grumble: He eats with sinners. And Jesus answers with two pictures - a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to find one lost one, a woman who lights a lamp and sweeps the whole house to find one lost coin.
When He finds it, He does not scold - He rejoices and calls his friends: Rejoice with me. There is joy in heaven over one sinner who turns back. So don't hide today if you feel lost. Let Him find you. And when someone else comes back, rejoice with heaven.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you welcome sinners and eat with them. Free me from trusting in my own achievements. I want to know you more than anything. When I wander, seek me, carry me on your shoulders, and bring me home. Give me a heart that rejoices when others return to you. Amen.
Readings are taken from the Douay-Rheims Bible, rendered in modern English for easy reading.
