THURSDAY OF THE THIRTY-FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, NOVEMBER 7, 2024

MASS READINGS:

Gospel

LK 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 peoplewho 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.”

REFLECTION

“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 

In a moment of shared humanity much is accomplished. Every Saturday three cars loaded down with food, clothes and drinks traveled through the downtown streets of Houston, Texas. The homeless were happy to see us and they would show up for breakfast, coffee and a prayer to God.

Sometimes a shared meal accomplishes more than a semester's worth of lectures and and a year's worth of homilies. The Gospel of Luke also known as the Gospel of the Outcasts focuses more so on society's outcasts. We are reminded that there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents.

For several hours the joy of ministering to and sharing with the homeless, reminds us that the Lord initiates the search and reaches out to us. Sometimes we can make people feel like outsiders, but, when we sit down and share a meal, laughter and conversation usually follow. We preach by our actions and not by righteously calling out the less fortunate. Kindness, love and compassion tear down walls.

Can we break down our own walls and meet those who need to see God's love?

God Bless You