Daily Gospel Reflection for November 4, 2021

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Reflection by Lyn Francisco

Today's Gospel: Luke 15:1-10

The Parables of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin are among the two most famous parables in the Gospel. In an answer to the Pharisees and anyone else who questioned the company He kept, Jesus used these parables as an example of love and acceptance to the marginalized few. He left behind 99 sheep in an effort to find the one lost sheep. And when that sheep was found, there was much rejoicing. Same with the woman with the coins. There should have been 10 in total, yet she made so much effort to find the one lost coin.

So why put such an effort for one thing among many? I see this as a way of showing love and mercy to the one who may be in the fringes, whether it be someone who is poor, someone who is part of a group that is marginalized by others, someone who might be ill and left in the fringes of society because of that illness, whether it be mental, physical, or emotional.

Today is also the Memorial of St. Charles Borromeo, who is also the patron saint of my home parish in San Diego, CA. He also lived his life like this shepherd, sacrificing wealth, high honors, esteem, and influence to minister to the poor. During the height of the plague and famine of 1576, Borromeo ministered to the poor, sick, and dying while the authorities fled their responsibilities. This work eventually took a toll on his health, and he died at the young age of 46.

I see this as a sacrifice he made for the marginalized, just like the shepherd and the woman sacrificed everything to locate the one lost sheep or coin. In my opinion, it’s really an act of love to the most vulnerable.

Ponder:

Have you ever thought why we put so much effort for the one small thing among many?

Pray:

Gracious God, You have always shown mercy to all, especially to those who were in the fringes of society. Help us that we may also show mercy to those who need it the most. Amen.

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Why put such an effort for one thing among many? I see this as a way of showing love and mercy to the one who may be in the fringes. #dailygospel

Copyright 2021 Lyn Francisco

Lyn Francisco is an organic chemist by training and education. When she is not at the lab bench, she occupies an organ bench in churches around Durham, NC. She also serves as cantor at Immaculate Conception Church in Durham.