Restoring Our Relationship

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to awareness of the search that continues by Christ to find all of His siblings who are not fully home with Him.

Searching for Life

The Letter of Paul to the Philippians warns against Legalistic Teachers and cites Paul’s Autobiography of living in Righteousness from God.

* [3:2–11] Paul sets forth the Christian claim, especially using personal, autobiographical terms that are appropriate to the situation. He presents his own experience in coming to know Christ Jesus in terms of righteousness or justification (cf. Rom 1:16–17; 3:21–5:11; Gal 2:5–11), contrasting the righteousness from God through faith and that of one’s own based on the law as two exclusive ways of pleasing God.

* [3:2] Beware of the mutilation: literally, “incision,” an ironic wordplay on “circumcision”; cf. Gal 5:12. There may be an association with the self-inflicted mutilations of the prophets of Baal (1 Kgs 18:28) and of devotees of Cybele who slashed themselves in religious frenzy.

* [3:3] We are the circumcision: the true people of God, seed and offspring of Abraham (Gal 3:7, 29; 6:15). Spirit of God: some manuscripts read “worship God by the Spirit.”

* [3:5] Circumcised on the eighth day: as the law required (Gn 17:12; Lv 12:3).

* [3:7] Loss: his knowledge of Christ led Paul to reassess the ways of truly pleasing and serving God. His reevaluation indicates the profound and lasting effect of his experience of the meaning of Christ on the way to Damascus some twenty years before (Gal 1:15–16; Acts 9:1–22). (Philippians, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 105 invites Israel to praise and seek the presence of God.

* [Psalm 105] A hymn to God who promised the land of Canaan to the holy people, cf. Ps 78; 106; 136. Israel is invited to praise and seek the presence of God (Ps 105:1–6), who is faithful to the promise of land to the ancestors (Psalms, PSALM 105 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus presents The Parable of the Lost Sheep and The Parable of the Lost Coin.

* [15:1–32] To the parable of the lost sheep (Lk 15:1–7) that Luke shares with Matthew (Mt 18:12–14), Luke adds two parables (the lost coin, Lk 15:8–10; the prodigal son, Lk 15:11–32) from his own special tradition to illustrate Jesus’ particular concern for the lost and God’s love for the repentant sinner. (Luke, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB, n.d.)

Edward Morse comments that although Jesus seems to speak to the Pharisees and scribes, his parables warmed the hearts of the tax collectors and sinners. When we are lost (and we know it), it is reassuring to know that someone is searching for us.

In the first reading, the Apostle Paul describes himself before he met the Lord and came to repentance and belief in him. Like those Pharisees and scribes who complained about Jesus, he also had pride in his position, pedigree, and practices. But after his encounter with our Lord, all of this was counted as loss by comparison. The new relationship would be full of trouble, indeed, but Paul thought that new trouble was clearly worth it. His scales for assessment functioned differently, and he saw the juice was really worth the squeeze.

Lord, sometimes all of us look down on others. Instead, help us to look up and grasp your hands, which reach out in mercy, love, and forgiveness to all. Help us to diagnose the state of our own hearts through imagining how we would navigate these encounters with Jesus. Thanks be to God. (Morse, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Joy over the fallen sinner restored in God's image,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"This second parable compares what was lost to a drachma (Luke 15:8-9). It is as one out of ten, a perfect number and of a sum complete in the accounting. The number ten also is perfect, being the close of the series from the unit upwards. This parable clearly shows that we are in the royal likeness and image, even that of God over all. I suppose the drachma is the denarius on which is stamped the royal likeness. We, who had fallen and had been lost, have been found by Christ and transformed by holiness and righteousness into his image... A search was made for that which had fallen, so the woman lighted a lamp... By the light, what was lost is saved, and there is joy for the powers above. They rejoice even in one sinner that repents, as he who knows all things has taught us. They keep a festival over one who is saved, united with the divine purpose, and never cease to praise the Savior's gentleness. What great joy must fill them when all beneath heaven is saved and Christ calls them by faith to acknowledge the truth? They put off the pollution of sin and freed their necks from the bonds of death. They have escaped from the blame of their wandering and fall! We gain all these things in Christ."(excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 106) (Schwager, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the texts for today. The Philippians are made aware that Paul, according to Jewish interpretation, could brag a lot about attending to the Law and religious practices. Some Jewish Christians have come to tell the Philippians they have to accept Jewish Law, but Paul insists that what is important is to follow Christ. Jesus eats with sinners and tax collectors. The Jewish leaders believe in sin contagion and by associating with sinners, you may catch what they have. What they have is brokenness and realistically it was brought upon themselves. They are broken and Jesus is to heal them not reject them. The parable of the lost sheep and coin indicates they are to be included in a special way of love. Friar Jude notes that when we are asking “What about the faithful?” If we were truly living our faith, we are living in the Presence and we want to share it with everyone in need.

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 15:1-10 invites us to picture Jesus delighting in the fact that “tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen,” despite the complaints of others (Luke 15:1). These were the people on the margins: those shamed or excluded, the ones everyone had written off as hopeless. Yet it’s precisely to them that Jesus turns with open arms.

Think of the joy that radiates from Jesus when you accept his invitation and bring your burdens and sins to Confession. Think of the angels rejoicing when you acknowledge your need for mercy. They see you on the path to freedom as you reach out to the Lord. And that sight fills them with joy!

Sit with these truths for a while in prayer today. If you have access to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, make plans to go. If not, pour out your heart to the Lord right where you are. Let him find you.

“Jesus, I rejoice at your mercy—for me and for all sinners!” (Meditation on Luke 15:1-10, 2026)

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Kathleen Dowling Singh who comments that to ripen into an elder, into a being that is more than simply elderly, … is a deliberate, thoughtful, sustained choice. Opening deeply to the truth of our own aging is wise. Opening deeply to the truth of our own impermanence is wise. Although such opening may not come easily at first—we all know how the ego tends to resist vulnerability—it is important to do so if we wish to mindfully use the time remaining to us.

If we are to claim the last years of life as years that hold the possibility of awakening into equanimity and lightness, into the very embodiment of grace, we need to bear witness to the ripening of that possibility. Not only would it be a blessing for each of us, it would be a blessing for a world starving for such witnessing…. 

Mindful of impermanence, the breath-by-breath arising and abiding and falling of each moment, we can remain in remembrance of our longing to exist in wisdom and love and compassion. We can remain in our intention to ripen into the spiritual maturity that is our birthright to cultivate. There is no more noble way to spend these years than to become an elder, to bear witness to the world as placeholders for peace, love, wisdom, and fearlessness. [2]  (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek the help of the Spirit to heighten our awareness of the transformation of our Baptismal anointing as priest, prophet, and leader to the invitation of people to our community.

References

Luke, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/15? 

Meditation on Luke 15:1-10. (2026, November 5). The Word Among Us. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/11/05/1707939/ 

Morse, E. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-november-5-2026 

Philippians, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/philippians/3? 

Psalms, PSALM 105 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/105?2 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Awakening With Age. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/awakening-with-age/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Sinners Were Drawn to Jesus. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Priority in Service

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today remind us of our need to practice priority for the Love of God in our service action in our environment. 

Love and Service

In the Reading from the Letter to the Philippians, Paul details the implications of Obedience and Service in the World.

* [2:12–18] Paul goes on to draw out further ethical implications for daily life (Phil 2:14–18) from the salvation God works in Christ.

* [2:12] Fear and trembling: a common Old Testament expression indicating awe and seriousness in the service of God (cf. Ex 15:16; Jdt 2:28; Ps 2:11; Is 19:16).

* [2:15–16] Generation…as you hold on to…: or “…generation. Among them shine like lights in the world because you hold the word of life….”

* [2:17] Libation: in ancient religious ritual, the pouring out on the ground of a liquid offering as a sacrifice. Paul means that he may be facing death. (Philippians, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 27 proclaims that the climax comes with “I believe” (Ps 27:13), echoing “I trust” (Ps 27:3). 

* [Psalm 27] Tradition has handed down the two sections of the Psalm (Ps 27:1–6; 7–14) as one Psalm, though each part could be understood as complete in itself. Asserting boundless hope that God will bring rescue (Ps 27:1–3), the psalmist longs for the presence of God in the Temple, protection from all enemies (Ps 27:4–6). In part B there is a clear shift in tone (Ps 27:7–12); the climax of the poem comes with “I believe” (Ps 27:13), echoing “I trust” (Ps 27:3). (Psalms, PSALM 27 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke expresses Jesus' sayings on Discipleship. 

* [14:25–33] This collection of sayings, most of which are peculiar to Luke, focuses on the total dedication necessary for the disciple of Jesus. No attachment to family (Lk 14:26) or possessions (Lk 14:33) can stand in the way of the total commitment demanded of the disciple. Also, acceptance of the call to be a disciple demands readiness to accept persecution and suffering (Lk 14:27) and a realistic assessment of the hardships and costs (Lk 14:28–32).

* [14:26] Hating his father…: cf. the similar saying in Mt 10:37. The disciple’s family must take second place to the absolute dedication involved in following Jesus (see also Lk 9:59–62).

* [14:34–35] The simile of salt follows the sayings of Jesus that demanded of the disciple total dedication and detachment from family and possessions and illustrates the condition of one who does not display this total commitment. The halfhearted disciple is like salt that cannot serve its intended purpose. See the simile of salt in Mt 5:13 and the note there. (Luke, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. Rashmi Fernando, SJ, asks what happens when following Jesus asks us to give up something we love, make a difficult choice, or carry a cross we never expected?

Let us ask ourselves:

What is the cross I am carrying in my life right now, and how might Jesus be inviting me to carry it with greater love and patience?

Is there a decision I am rushing into, avoiding, or struggling with that calls for more prayer and honest discernment?

What am I holding on to—comfort, recognition, resentment, or control—that might be keeping me from following Jesus more freely in my relationships and daily work? (Fernando, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Jesus permits us to love family but not more than God,” by Cyril of Alexandria, 375-444 A.D.

"He says, 'He that loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me. He that loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me' (Matthew 10:37). By adding 'more than me,' it is plain that he permits us to love, but not more than we love him. He demands our highest affection for himself and that very correctly. The love of God in those who are perfect in mind has something in it superior both to the honor due to parents and to the natural affection felt for children." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 105) (Schwager, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the texts for today. Paul is affectionate to his community and he encourages them to work out their salvation. To Paul salvation occurs on the last day he asserts we are already justified and at peace with God. We have to live the peace and love offered to us. We are called to be blameless in a perverse generation. We have tremendous joy being where we should be as we pour out life in service. When they sacrifice out of love, Jesus speaks of the consequence so we will have to choose the cross and know what we are getting into. Luke quotes Jesus directly. Jesus speaks in Aramaic and that language is one that expresses extremes. Luke doesn’t feel like it should be softened. Matthew revises our love to more than that for Father and Mother. Friar Jude comments that we should realize it as an exaggerated expression. In the Eucharist, Jesus is giving to us, but we are to give love through Him.

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 14:25-33 suggests that when Jesus says ‘hate,’ He is saying that even the most important things must come second to God. 

I love you, but this is the Messiah. I have to put him first now!”

His words are like a sudden gust of wind, knocking you off-balance. “Is he really ready to leave it all behind—our home, our farm, our parents?” Images flash through your head: a perfectly furrowed field, the comfort of your mother’s embrace, a proud look in your father’s eye. “Aren’t these worth holding onto?” (Meditation on Luke 14:25-33, 2026)

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces CAC faculty member James Finley who shares his thoughts on spiritual maturity as a form of ripening.

And so it is with us. As we grow old we realize that, in all we have been through, Love has been using us for its own purposes. And for this we feel immensely grateful. We know, too, that our inevitable passing away, in which we fall into the ground and die, is not the end of our ripened and transformed life. It is rather our passage into an infinite and deathless fulfillment. Saint John of the Cross [1542–1591] talks about a windfall of delight. [1] When fruit becomes very ripe, the slightest wind can cause it to fall to the ground. This is also true of us, and not just in the sense in which we learn to be undone and fulfilled in all the unexpected little blessings that come to us throughout the day. The windfall of delight pertains as well to our last breath, which we know and trust will send us falling forever into the deathless depths of God. (Rohr, n.d.)

We ponder the Spirit of Love that leads our journey to fullness and transforms our life and work to be signs of the Love that is the fruit of our surrender.

References

Fernando, R. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-november-4-2026 

Luke, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/14?25 

Meditation on Luke 14:25-33. (2026, November 4). The Word Among Us. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/11/04/1707277/ 

Philippians, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/philippians/2? 

Psalms, PSALM 27 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/27? 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). A Windfall of Delight. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-windfall-of-delight/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). The True Cost of Discipleship. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Humble and Hungry

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge our understanding of the need to be open to humble surrender of our sense of pride and entitlement to fulfill our mission as disciples of Christ.

Humble Healing of Hunger

The Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Philippians proclaims the general pattern of Christ’s humiliation and then exaltation. 

* [2:6–11] Perhaps an early Christian hymn quoted here by Paul. The short rhythmic lines fall into two parts, Phil 2:6–8 where the subject of every verb is Christ, and Phil 2:9–11 where the subject is God. The general pattern is thus of Christ’s humiliation and then exaltation. More precise analyses propose a division into six three-line stanzas (Phil 2:6; 7abc, 7d–8, 9, 10, 11) or into three stanzas (Phil 2:6–7ab, 7cd–8, 9–11). Phrases such as even death on a cross (Phil 2:8c) are considered by some to be additions (by Paul) to the hymn, as are Phil 2:10c, 11c.

* [2:6] Either a reference to Christ’s preexistence and those aspects of divinity that he was willing to give up in order to serve in human form, or to what the man Jesus refused to grasp at to attain divinity. Many see an allusion to the Genesis story: unlike Adam, Jesus, though…in the form of God (Gn 1:26–27), did not reach out for equality with God, in contrast with the first Adam in Gn 3:5–6.

* [2:7] Taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness: or “…taking the form of a slave. Coming in human likeness, and found human in appearance.” While it is common to take Phil 2:6, 7 as dealing with Christ’s preexistence and Phil 2:8 with his incarnate life, so that lines Phil 2:7b, 7c are parallel, it is also possible to interpret so as to exclude any reference to preexistence (see note on Phil 2:6) and to take Phil 2:6–8 as presenting two parallel stanzas about Jesus’ human state (Phil 2:6–7b; 7cd–8); in the latter alternative, coming in human likeness begins the second stanza and parallels 6a to some extent.

* [2:8] There may be reflected here language about the servant of the Lord, Is 52:13–53:12 especially Is 53:12.

* [2:9] The name: “Lord” (Phil 2:11), revealing the true nature of the one who is named.

* [2:10–11] Every knee should bend…every tongue confess: into this language of Is 45:23 there has been inserted a reference to the three levels in the universe, according to ancient thought, heaven, earth, under the earth.

* [2:11] Jesus Christ is Lord: a common early Christian acclamation; cf. 1 Cor 12:3; Rom 10:9. But doxology to God the Father is not overlooked here (Phil 2:11c) in the final version of the hymn. (Philippians, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 22 presents an invitation to praise God becoming a universal chorus of praise .

* [Psalm 22] A lament unusual in structure and in intensity of feeling. The psalmist’s present distress is contrasted with God’s past mercy in Ps 22:2–12. In Ps 22:13–22 enemies surround the psalmist. The last third is an invitation to praise God (Ps 22:23–27), becoming a universal chorus of praise (Ps 22:28–31). The Psalm is important in the New Testament. Its opening words occur on the lips of the crucified Jesus (Mk 15:34; Mt 27:46), and several other verses are quoted, or at least alluded to, in the accounts of Jesus’ passion (Mt 27:35, 43; Jn 19:24). (Psalms, PSALM 22 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke presents the Parable of the Great Feast.

* [14:15–24] The parable of the great dinner is a further illustration of the rejection by Israel, God’s chosen people, of Jesus’ invitation to share in the banquet in the kingdom and the extension of the invitation to other Jews whose identification as the poor, crippled, blind, and lame (Lk 14:21) classifies them among those who recognize their need for salvation, and to Gentiles (Lk 14:23). A similar parable is found in Mt 22:1–10. (Luke, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB, n.d.)

Joan Blandin Howard (*This reflection is from Creighton Online Ministry’s Archive from 2020.*) asks who would Jesus invite to a festive gathering if his invited friends were not able to attend?

When my mother was in her final years and dealing with senile dementia, we had several delightful, compassionate and caring women come to assist in her care. Why did I not think to invite these women when others could not come? Why did I not think to invite them initially?

Maybe we are well off not to “taste (the man’s) dinner.” Our God does not fly into a rage when we don’t respond as God would have wished. Our God continues to invite all of us over and over and over again. Our God is delighted when we run out of excuses for sending our regrets. Our God’s meal is always tender and tasty and his beverages fresh off the vine!  We are always graciously welcomed. The Lord’s table is set – whenever I run out of excuses!(Howard, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “The heavenly food of Jesus' word,” by Clement of Alexandria (150-215 AD)

"The holy agape is the sublime and saving creation of the Lord... An agape is in reality heavenly food, a banquet of the Word. The agape, or love, 'bears all things, endures all things, hopes all things. Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8). 'Blessed is he who eats bread in the kingdom of God' (Luke 14:15). The most unlikely of all downfalls is charity that does not fail to be thrown down from heaven to earth among all these dainty seasonings. Do you still imagine that I refer to a meal that will be destroyed? (1 Corinthians 6:13) 'If I distribute my goods to the poor and do not have love,' Scripture says, 'I am nothing' (1 Corinthians 13:3). The whole law and the word depend on this love (Matthew 22:40). If you love the Lord your God and your neighbor (Mark 12:30-31), there will be a heavenly feast in heaven. The earthly feast, as we have proved from Scripture, is called a supper. It is permeated with love yet is not identified with it but is an expression of mutual and generous good will." (excerpt from CHRIST THE EDUCATOR 2,1)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the texts for today. 

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 14:15-24 comments that we, too, have been invited to a banquet—the heavenly feast that will last for all eternity. This is far more than a social event; this banquet is the goal of our lives! God wants us to give him the first place in our hearts so that we can join him in this feast.

So let’s open our hearts in prayer today. Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to show us which relationships or concerns are occupying the first place in our lives or distracting us from preparing to join the banquet. Then we can offer them to the Lord and ask him to help us put them in their rightful place so that whenever we hear him calling, we can respond promptly.

Jesus has invited you to his heavenly banquet, and he eagerly awaits your response.

“Jesus, help me to hear your invitation and respond with an undivided heart!” (Meditation on Luke 14:15-24, 2026)

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Dr. Sally Severino who writes of the process of aging as an opportunity to more fully experience union with God. Severino describes how, by fully welcoming our oneness with God, we can offer our lives to the world:

We are not only the recipients of divine love; we are also the dispensers of love in the world. When we are one with Christ, our hearts and souls are full of a compassion that then flows out into the world through Christ….

We are each given the mind of Christ and the ability to give this gift to others. All we need to do is become aware, be grateful, and share our uniqueness with the world around us. Christ encourages us to do as he did—to act freely, expressing our gift in each unrepeatable moment of our lives. The spirituality of aging is a process of becoming increasingly Christlike—of emptying ourselves until only God lives within us. Just as we are each a unique image of Christ in the world, so too is our ripening process unique. God is always knocking, wanting to enter our lives. All we need to do is open.(Rohr, n.d.)

We implore the Spirit for the Wisdom to accept invitations to a full life that require our exercise of faith, hope and charity.

References

Howard, J. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-november-3-2026 

Luke, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/14?15 

Meditation on Luke 14:15-24. (2026, November 3). The Word Among Us. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/11/03/1706797/ 

Philippians, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/philippians/2? 

Psalms, PSALM 22 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/22? 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Giving to Others. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/giving-to-others/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Invitation to the King's Banquet Table. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/