Thursday, November 5, 2026
Thursday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary 488
First Reading — Philippians 3:3–8a
Philippians 3:3 — Paul declares that believers are God's people, worshiping through the Spirit of God, rejoicing in Jesus Christ, and placing no confidence in outward religious status.
Philippians 3:4–5 — Paul explains his Jewish heritage. He was circumcised on the eighth day, belonged to Israel's tribe of Benjamin, and was a Pharisee devoted to the Law.
Philippians 3:6 — Paul had zealously persecuted the Church and considered himself blameless according to the righteousness required by the Law.
Philippians 3:7 — "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ." (KJV)
Philippians 3:8a — Paul considers everything else of lesser value compared with the surpassing blessing of knowing Jesus Christ as Lord.
Paul teaches the first-century believers that righteousness and fellowship with God are found through Christ rather than through ancestry, religious achievements, or confidence in the Law.
Responsorial Psalm — Psalm 105:2–3, 4–5, 6–7
Response: Let hearts rejoice who search for the Lord.
Psalm 105:2–3 — Sing praises to the Lord and proclaim His wonderful works. Let those who seek Him rejoice.
Psalm 105:4–5 — Seek the Lord continually, remember His mighty deeds, His miracles, and His judgments.
Psalm 105:6–7 — Descendants of Abraham and Jacob, remember that the Lord is your God. His judgments reach throughout the earth.
The psalm reminds Israel of God's faithfulness and encourages His people to remember His mighty works and continually seek His presence.
Alleluia — Matthew 11:28
Matthew 11:28 — Jesus invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him, promising them rest.
Gospel — Luke 15:1–10
Luke 15:1–2 — Tax collectors and sinners gather to hear Jesus. The Pharisees and scribes complain because He welcomes sinners and eats with them.
Luke 15:3–4 — Jesus tells a parable about a shepherd with one hundred sheep. When one becomes lost, the shepherd searches until he finds it.
Luke 15:5–6 — The shepherd joyfully carries the lost sheep home and invites his friends and neighbors to rejoice with him.
Luke 15:7 — Jesus explains that heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents, even more than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.
Luke 15:8–9 — Jesus tells another parable about a woman who loses one of her ten silver coins. She lights a lamp, sweeps her house, and searches carefully until she finds it.
Luke 15:10 — Jesus declares that the angels of God rejoice when even one sinner repents.
Jesus teaches that every person matters to God. His mercy reaches those considered lost, and there is great joy when sinners repent and return to Him.
Kingdom Connection
Today's readings reveal the transition from confidence in the Old Covenant Law to righteousness through Jesus Christ.
Paul, a descendant of Israel and a Pharisee, declares that knowing Christ is greater than all his former religious accomplishments. Jesus also challenges the first-century religious leaders by demonstrating God's desire to seek and restore the lost.
Through the New Covenant, God's invitation extends to both Israel and the Gentiles. God's everlasting Kingdom welcomes those who turn to Christ in repentance and faith.
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