Mass Reading and Reflection for Thursday, November 6th, 2025

First Reading: (Romans 14:7–12)

Responsorial Psalm:
(Psalm 27)
Response: I believe I shall see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living.

Gospel: (Luke 15:1–10)

Reflection

How often do we complain about stubborn people or those with particular weaknesses who do not seem to change? But the question we must ask is: What approach do we use to help them?

Many times, instead of healing, we humiliate. Instead of correcting, we condemn. We gossip about them, avoid their company, and publicly shame them. But can such an approach ever bring real conversion?

In the Gospel today, we see the true approach of Jesus. The sinners and tax collectors felt comfortable around Him. While the Pharisees criticized Him for “eating with sinners,” they missed the deeper truth: Jesus created a welcoming and loving atmosphere that drew the lost back to God.

Not everyone feels safe sharing their struggles with us. Some prefer to die in silence because they sense judgment rather than compassion. But with Jesus, it was different. He made sinners feel loved, not condemned; wanted, not rejected.

Look at Matthew, the tax collector. Jesus did not call him a thief; He simply said, “Follow Me.”
Look at Zacchaeus. Jesus invited Himself to his house, and Zacchaeus’ heart melted with joy and repentance.
Look at the woman caught in adultery. Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.”

This was Jesus’ method, an approach of mercy. He never condoned sin, yet He always approached sinners with love that led to change.

We often claim to “speak the truth as it is,” but our harshness may only harden hearts. There must be a balance. Yes, we must talk about sin and its consequences, but also about the love of God, who desires not the death of a sinner but their conversion.

When people realize they are loved even in their brokenness, they find the strength to rise. Fear may produce temporary compliance, but love brings true repentance.

Therefore, let us learn from Jesus’ approach.
If we want to help others change, let us draw closer, listen with compassion, and correct with gentleness. Let our attitude reflect the love of Christ, not the self-righteousness of the Pharisees.

When people see that we are not judgmental but understanding, not critical but caring, their hearts will open to grace.
That is how Jesus won over so many sinners , sinners through love, not condemnation.

God bless

Pal Ronnie