A WORD FOR TODAY 5 November 2020

A WORD FOR TODAY

HEAVEN IS HAPPY WHEN A SINNER TRULY REPENTS

_"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.’ 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.(Luke 15:6-7)_

_*The gospel reading of today is a reminder of what the Lord expects of us as His children. Our Lord Jesus Christ came into the world, not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Therefore, we must always be ready to accept His invitation to turn away from our evil ways so that we can live.*_

_Repentance is key to our finding happiness in this life and in God's presence in Heaven. God does not want any sinner to perish, but that sinners should repent and find eternal life. Sin separates us from God's friendship, however, in His love, Jesus continues to seek us out so that we shall return to Him and be saved._

_*The pharisees and the Scribes who were masters in self righteousness were not happy that Jesus who claimed to be the Messaiah and the Holy One is associating with sinners and tax collectors. They expressed their dissatisfaction and Jesus used that opportunity to tell them what is required of them in the parable. We should be happy and not sad when a sinner repents, because that is what God wants and Heaven is happy also.*_

_We must learn to love and pray for sinners to find conversion so that they will be saved. We must hate their sin, but we must love them and win them over to God with love. The Salvation of the soul of one sinner is more important to God than any sacrifice or the holiness of many others who may have no need of repentance. He loves the righteous, yes, but He loves the sinner and never gives up on him or her._

_*God is our shepherd and keeps watch over us and when we drift and wander away from Him, He goes in search of us so that He will find us and bring us back to the fold. We must hear His voice and repent of our sins so that we will be saved.*_

_There is joy in heaven over a sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who have no need of repentance. Let us strive like Saint Paul in the first reading of today to count everything as a loss, because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus. When repent of our sins and return to the Lord we shall find Joy and the heavens will rejoice on our behalf._

_*Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you do your work and do have a magnificent day. May Jesus give you the grace to repent of your sins and find eternal life. Amen. And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

*Meditation:* Philippians 3:3-8/Psalm 105:2-7/Luke 15:1-10

*Watch-Word:* Let the heart that seek the Lord rejoice.

*We must repent of our sins and also help others to find conversion so that our hearts will be joyful in the end.*

(Thursday of the Thirty first week in the ordinary time, year II)