5 Nov
Thu
31st Week in Ordinary Time
Rom. 14:7-12
Ps. 26:1,4,13-14
Lk. 15:1-10
(Ps. Wk. III)
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Jesus attracted sinful people who felt confident in His presence, as He spoke and ate with them. Many repented and were converted. He also attracted those self-conceited religious leaders who were eager to criticize Him. In recording these parables, Luke illustrates God's love for sinners through the examples of a man and a woman. The shepherd left his flock to search for the one lost sheep till it is found and brought home. The needy housewife turned her house upside down to find the lost coin, a pittance no doubt, but enough to buy food for a few days. Both rejoiced with their neighbours when their property was found. Jesus tells us God and the angels rejoice in the same way when sinners return to His mercy and forgiveness, but He is the one who must search for them and associate with them. Each one of them is precious in God's sight!

All of us have sinned and been "found" by Jesus and rescued through baptism and repentance. If only the religious leaders realized their need to be "found" and rescued from their arrogance, injustice, and lack of love! Paul tells us that Christ died and rose for all of us, and so none of us should judge or criticize others.



Lord, help us to be grateful for the gift of divine love and life Christ has won for us, and give us joy in seeing You welcome the lost sheep.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That all men and women in the world, especially those who have responsibilities in the field of politics and economics, may never fail in their commitment to safeguard creation.
Elaboration

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