11/5/2026 (Thursday) Today’s Gospel reading: Luke 15:1-10

1 The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus,
2 but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
3 So Jesus addressed this parable to them.
4 “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?
5 And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy
6 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.’
7 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.
8 “Or what woman having ten coins and losing one would not light a lamp and sweep the house, searching carefully until she finds it?
9 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.’
10 In just the same way, I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

11/5/2026 (Thursday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Luke 15:1-10

Theme: The Joy of Being Found

In this Gospel reading, Jesus tells two parables: a shepherd who leaves his ninety-nine sheep to search for one that is lost, and a woman who carefully searches her house for one missing coin. When both are found, they celebrate with great joy. Through these stories, Jesus reminds us that every person is precious to God, and heaven rejoices whenever someone who has been lost is found and returns to Him.

F – Faithfully, God Searches for Us

Sometimes, we lose our way in life. We become distracted by worldly desires, overwhelmed by difficulties, or discouraged by our failures. We may even distance ourselves from God because of guilt, disappointment, or shame. But God’s love does not disappear when we wander away. He continues to reach out to us, patiently calling us back into His loving presence. We must remember that we are never too lost for God to find us. His love is greater than our mistakes, and His mercy is always waiting for us.

O – Our Worth Never Diminishes

The lost sheep was only one among a hundred, and the missing coin was only one among ten. Yet both were important enough to be searched for. This teaches us that our value does not depend on how successful, wealthy, talented, or popular we are. We are precious because we are God’s creation. Even when others overlook us, reject us, or consider us unimportant, God sees our worth. Nobody is insignificant in His eyes. Every life matters, every soul deserves love, and everyone deserves an opportunity to begin again.

U – Understanding Before Judging

Jesus welcomed sinners and those whom society considered unworthy. However, some people criticized Him for showing kindness to them. This reminds us how easily we can become judgmental. We sometimes measure people by their mistakes without understanding their struggles, their circumstances, or their desire to change. Instead of condemning others, we should learn to become instruments of God’s compassion. We are not called to push people further away but to help them find their way back. A little understanding, patience, and kindness can become the beginning of someone’s transformation.

N – Never Give Up on Anyone

The shepherd did not abandon the lost sheep, and the woman did not stop searching for her missing coin. Their determination teaches us the importance of perseverance. We should never easily give up on people, especially those who are struggling, making mistakes, or losing their faith. Sometimes, people need someone who will believe in them when they can no longer believe in themselves. A sincere prayer, an encouraging word, or a simple act of kindness may help someone rediscover hope. Let us never underestimate the power of reaching out to those who feel forgotten.

D – Delight in Every New Beginning

The greatest message of these parables is the joy of finding what was lost. God does not celebrate our failures; He celebrates our return. Every sincere repentance, every renewed commitment, and every step toward a better life brings joy to heaven. This should also become our attitude toward others. Instead of reminding people endlessly of their past, let us celebrate their efforts to change and grow.

At the end of the day, we must remember that we are all searching for something: peace, purpose, forgiveness, acceptance, and love. Sometimes, we find these things not by going farther away but by returning to the God who has never stopped loving us.

Let us be grateful that God never gives up searching for us. And when we find someone who has lost their way, let us not become another reason for them to feel rejected. Instead, let us become a reason for them to feel loved, welcomed, and FOUND.

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