In today’s first reading, there is an important message that we often overlook because we sometimes fail to put it into context. The life and death of each of us influences others. Whether alive or dead, we indeed belong to the Lord.
However, the crucial message is that we should not judge or treat our brothers and sisters in Christ with contempt. Often, we may not even realize we are doing it. For instance, when we judge someone for being late to mass, consistently late, or not dressed appropriately for the Holy Eucharist. Or when we look down on parents who struggle to control their noisy toddlers during the Eucharistic celebration.
Instead, we should be loving and, if possible, offer fraternal correction in the most charitable way we can. Our Lord and Savior loves us all and reminds us that the heavens rejoice over a repentant sinner. So, how can we bring these repentant sinners back into the fold if we are harsh and judgmental?
Lord, have mercy on me as I endeavour to treat others with the same mercy you have shown me. Amen.
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First reading
Romans 14:7-12
Each of us must give an account of himself to God
The life and death of each of us has its influence on others; if we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord, so that alive or dead we belong to the Lord. This explains why Christ both died and came to life: it was so that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. This is also why you should never pass judgement on a brother or treat him with contempt, as some of you have done. We shall all have to stand before the judgement seat of God; as scripture says: By my life – it is the Lord who speaks – every knee shall bend before me, and every tongue shall praise God. It is to God, therefore, that each of us must give an account of himself.
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Gospel
Luke 15:1-10
There will be rejoicing in heaven over one repentant sinner
The tax collectors and the sinners were all seeking the company of Jesus to hear what he had to say, and the Pharisees and the scribes complained. ‘This man’ they said ‘welcomes sinners and eats with them.’ So he spoke this parable to them:
‘What man among you with a hundred sheep, losing one, would not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the missing one till he found it? And when he found it, would he not joyfully take it on his shoulders and then, when he got home, call together his friends and neighbours? “Rejoice with me,” he would say “I have found my sheep that was lost.” In the same way, I tell you, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one repentant sinner than over ninety-nine virtuous men who have no need of repentance.
‘Or again, what woman with ten drachmas would not, if she lost one, light a lamp and sweep out the house and search thoroughly till she found it? And then, when she had found it, call together her friends and neighbours? “Rejoice with me,” she would say “I have found the drachma I lost.” In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing among the angels of God over one repentant sinner.’
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