Daily Mass Readings – Thursday, 5 November 2026

3 For we are the circumcision, who in spirit serve God; and glory in Christ Jesus, not having confidence in the flesh.

4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other thinketh he may have confidence in the flesh, I more,

5 Being circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; according to the law, a Pharisee:

6 According to zeal, persecuting the church of God; according to the justice that is in the law, conversing without blame.

7 But the things that were gain to me, the same I have counted loss for Christ.

8a Furthermore I count all things to be but loss for the excellent knowledge of Jesus Christ my Lord.

R. (3b) Let hearts rejoice who search for the Lord.

or

R. Alleluia.

2 Sing to him, yea sing praises to him: relate all his wondrous works.

3 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.

R. Let hearts rejoice who search for the Lord.

or

R. Alleluia.

4 Seek ye the Lord, and be strengthened: seek his face evermore.

5 Remember his marvellous works which he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth.

R. Let hearts rejoice who search for the Lord.

or

R. Alleluia.

6 O ye seed of Abraham his servant; ye sons of Jacob his chosen.

7 He is the Lord our God: his judgments are in all the earth.

R. Let hearts rejoice who search for the Lord.

or

R. Alleluia.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

28 Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest, says the Lord.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

1 Now the publicans and sinners drew near unto him to hear him.

2 And the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying: This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

3 And he spoke to them this parable, saying:

4 What man of you that hath an hundred sheep: and if he shall lose one of them, doth he not leave the ninety-nine in the desert, and go after that which was lost, until he find it?

5 And when he hath found it, lay it upon his shoulders, rejoicing:

6 And coming home, call together his friends and neighbours, saying to them: Rejoice with me, because I have found my sheep that was lost?

7 I say to you, that even so there shall be joy in heaven upon one sinner that doth penance, more than upon ninety-nine just who need not penance.

8 Or what woman having ten groats; if she lose one groat, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently until she find it?

9 And when she hath found it, call together her friends and neighbours, saying: Rejoice with me, because I have found the groat which I had lost.

10 So I say to you, there shall be joy before the angels of God upon one sinner doing penance.

Paul had every reason to place confidence in his ancestry, observance, and zeal, yet he came to see that these gains were nothing beside knowing Christ. The Gospel shows why this matters: Jesus does not protect a reputation by keeping sinners at a distance. He receives them, eats with them, and reveals the heart of God, who searches patiently for what is lost.

The shepherd carries the found sheep home rejoicing, and the woman celebrates the coin she has recovered. Heaven itself rejoices when a sinner turns back to God. This joy challenges both shame and self-satisfaction. We can become discouraged by our failures, or we can allow Christ to find us and carry us toward repentance. We can also cling to our religious achievements as though they make us worthy, forgetting that our deepest treasure is the Lord himself. The psalm gives us a simple path: seek God’s face, remember his works, and let our hearts rejoice. Christ is our true gain, and his mercy is greater than anything we can claim for ourselves.

Lord Jesus, you welcome sinners and seek the lost with patient mercy. Free me from relying on my achievements, reputation, or outward observance, and teach me to place my confidence in you alone. When I wander, help me recognize your voice and receive your forgiveness with humility. Give me a heart that rejoices when others return to you, instead of judging them or keeping them at a distance. May I seek your face each day, remember your faithfulness, and allow your love to lead me into sincere repentance and renewed life. Amen.