Faith Today

November 5, 2026

Rejoicing in Redemption

“There will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner repenting than over ninety-nine upright people who have no need of repentance.”
Luke 15:7

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Today's Reflection

Dear Brothers and Sisters, in the face of global headlines—such as France’s call to give Ukraine every means to defend its people and infrastructure—we see a wider echo of today’s Gospel message: every single life matters, especially those most under threat or at risk of being lost. When world leaders recognize the need to protect and restore what is vulnerable, they enact the same spirit of seeking out the lost and rejoicing at their rescue. Our response to crisis, whether international or personal, should reflect this divine priority: never giving up on those most in need of help or hope.

Coping

Today's readings remind us that no matter how lost we feel, God values our return and transformation above all our past status or mistakes. When facing heavy news or personal hardship, we can cope by remembering that every journey back toward hope, healing, and wholeness is met with divine joy, not judgment.

Family

For families, these passages encourage us to celebrate one another’s growth and support loved ones who are struggling or straying. Just as the shepherd seeks the lost sheep, we are called to pursue understanding and reconciliation, valuing each family member equally.

Community

In our communities, these scriptures urge us to look beyond outward distinctions and to embrace every person as invaluable. Whether someone is returning from a setback or seeking a place of belonging, our task is to rejoice together, lifting up those who return or reach out for help.

Today's Readings

First Reading · Philippians 3:3-8

[3] We are the true people of the circumcision since we worship by the Spirit of God and make Christ Jesus our only boast, not relying on physical qualifications, [4] although, I myself could rely on these too. If anyone does claim to rely on them, my claim is better. [5] Circumcised on the eighth day of my life, I was born of the race of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrew parents. In the matter of the Law, I was a Pharisee; [6] as for religious fervour, I was a persecutor of the Church; as for the uprightness embodied in the Law, I was faultless. [7] But what were once my assets I now through Christ Jesus count as losses. [8] Yes, I will go further: because of the supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, I count everything else as loss. For him I have accepted the loss of all other things, and look on them all as filth if only I can gain Christ

Psalm · Psalms 105:2-3, 4-5, 6-7

[2] Sing to him, make music for him, recount all his wonders! [3] Glory in his holy name, let the hearts that seek Yahweh rejoice! [4] Seek Yahweh and his strength, tirelessly seek his presence! [5] Remember the marvels he has done, his wonders, the judgements he has spoken. [6] Stock of Abraham, his servant, children of Jacob whom he chose! [7] He is Yahweh our God, his judgements touch the whole world.

Gospel · Luke 15:1-10

[1] The tax collectors and sinners, however, were all crowding round to listen to him, [2] and the Pharisees and scribes complained saying, 'This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.' [3] So he told them this parable: [4] 'Which one of you with a hundred sheep, if he lost one, would fail to leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the missing one till he found it? [5] And when he found it, would he not joyfully take it on his shoulders [6] and then, when he got home, call together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, "Rejoice with me, I have found my sheep that was lost." [7] In the same way, I tell you, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner repenting than over ninety-nine upright people who have no need of repentance. [8] '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? [9] And then, when she had found it, call together her friends and neighbours, saying to them, "Rejoice with me, I have found the drachma I lost." [10] In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing among the angels of God over one repentant sinner.'