FIRST
READING: Philippians
3: 3 - 8
3
For we are the true circumcision, who worship God in spirit, and
glory in Christ Jesus, and put no confidence in the flesh.
4
Though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If any
other man thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have
more:
5
circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe
of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law a Pharisee,
6
as to zeal a persecutor of the church, as to righteousness under the
law blameless.
7
But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.
8
Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of
knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss
of all things, and count them as refuse, in order that I may gain
Christ.
PSALM:
Psalms 105:
2 - 7
2
Sing to him, sing praises to him, tell of all his wonderful works!
3
Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD
rejoice!
4
Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his presence continually!
5
Remember the wonderful works that he has done, his miracles, and the
judgments he uttered,
6
O offspring of Abraham his servant, sons of Jacob, his chosen ones!
7
He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth.
GOSPEL:
Luke 15:
1 - 10
1
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him.
2
And the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, "This man
receives sinners and eats with them."
3
So he told them this parable:
4
"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of
them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after
the one which is lost, until he finds it?
5
And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6
And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his
neighbors, saying to them, `Rejoice with me, for I have found my
sheep which was lost.'
7
Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner
who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no
repentance.
8
"Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin,
does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until
she finds it?
9
And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and
neighbors, saying, `Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which
I had lost.'
10
Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one
sinner who repents."