Thursday of the 31st week of Ordinary Time

3For we are the circumcised, we who serve God in the Spirit and who glory in Christ Jesus, having no confidence in the flesh. 4Nevertheless, I might have confidence also in the flesh, for if anyone else seems to have confidence in the flesh, more so do I. 5For I was circumcised on the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, from the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew among Hebrews. According to the law, I was a Pharisee; 6according to zeal, I persecuted the Church of God; according to the justice that is in the law, I lived without blame. 7But the things which had been to my gain, the same have I considered a loss, for the sake of Christ. 8Yet truly, I consider everything to be a loss, because of the preeminent knowledge of Jesus Christ, my Lord, for whose sake I have suffered the loss of everything, considering it all to be like dung, so that I may gain Christ,

2Sing to him, and sing psalms to him. Describe all his wonders.

3Be praised in his holy name. Let the heart of those who seek the Lord rejoice.

4Seek the Lord, and be confirmed. Seek his face always.

5Remember his miracles, which he has done, his portents and the judgments of his mouth:

6you offspring of Abraham his servant, you sons of Jacob his elect.

7He is the Lord our God. His judgments are throughout the entire earth.

1Now tax collectors and sinners were drawing near to him, so that they might listen to him. 2And the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, “This one accepts sinners and eats with them.” 3And he told this parable to them, saying: 4“What man among you, who has one hundred sheep, and if he will have lost one of them, would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the one whom he had lost, until he finds it? 5And when he has found it, he places it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6And returning home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them: ‘Congratulate me! For I have found my sheep, which had been lost.’ 7I say to you, that there will be so much more joy in heaven over one sinner repenting, than over the ninety-nine just, who do not need to repent. 8Or what woman, having ten drachmas, if she will have lost one drachma, would not light a candle, and sweep the house, and diligently search until she finds it? 9And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying: ‘Rejoice with me! For I have found the drachma, which I had lost.’ 10So I say to you, there will be joy before the Angels of God over even one sinner who is repentant.”