Listen to Lectio Divine – November 5 – 4 min

The Joy of Being Found by the Lord

Thursday, November 5 | Gospel: Luke 15:1–10

Let us ask the Holy Spirit to fill us with his light, open our hearts, and prepare our senses to listen, see, contemplate, and encounter deeply the Word the Lord offers us today.

Today’s Gospel tells the story of all of us, because we are all sinners who hear the voice of the Lord. Like the tax collectors and sinners who gathered around Jesus, we too have opened our hearts to the One who gives life, new meaning to our existence, and invites us to exchange the values of the world for the values of his Kingdom.

Jesus tells us about the lost sheep. The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine and goes searching for the one that is lost. When he finds it, he carries it on his shoulders and rejoices. There is also great joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.

Reflect on the Word

This is my story and yours: the Lord loved us first. He reached us with his mercy when we were lost in places of darkness, sadness, and meaninglessness. He found us, embraced us, and gave us the grace to recognize him. Our lives were filled with joy, and so was the Lord’s.

Now, as his disciples, we are invited to show the same mercy toward others, especially those who have not yet recognized Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Jesus warns us not to be like the Pharisees, who judged and criticized him for welcoming sinners. They considered themselves better than others and saw sinners as enemies rather than brothers and sisters.

We are sinners who have been found and embraced by God’s mercy. Having received his love with joy, we are called to develop a merciful heart and go out to share the Good News, searching for those who are still lost.

What is my attitude toward those who think differently or do not yet know Jesus? Am I willing to leave my comfort zone and search for the lost sheep, or am I satisfied with knowing religious laws, doctrines, rituals, and practices without reaching out to others?

Pray with the Word

Lord Jesus, let me encounter your eyes, filled with love and mercy. Allow me to be seen by you. Look into the deepest parts of my being, and teach me to see myself with the same mercy with which you look upon me.

Give me a merciful heart that loves, embraces, and forgives. Help me go beyond myself and reach out to those who do not know you or have become distant from you.

Photo: Parabola della pecora smarrita, Domenico Fetti (1589–1623) – Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, Dresde

Rest in God's Presence

Remain quietly before Jesus and allow his loving gaze to rest upon you. Remember that you are a sinner who has been found, loved, and rescued by his grace.

Receive the joy of being embraced by the Lord. Let this experience transform the way you look at others. See them not as enemies or people to judge, but as brothers and sisters who are also loved by God.

Live the Word

This week, look for someone in your family, circle of friends, workplace, community, or parish whom you find difficult to accept or approach. Take a step toward that person: make space in your life, get to know them, and speak with them as a brother or sister.

Also, pray for sinners—for all of us, and especially for those who have not yet come to know the Lord.