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Key Verses
2 ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.’
6 “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.”
7 there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than …
9 “Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.”
10 there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.
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Thinking for Ourselves
God is looking for people ready to think for themselves and make the changes they need to make. Heaven rejoices when it finds these people, even though they may be as insignificant to others as one lost sheep or a lost coin.
- Where in your life do you feel pressure to “go along” with the crowd instead of making choices that are right for you?
- How do you feel when you choose a different path that reflects God’s call?
“Lord, give me the courage to make changes, to resist the pull of the crowd, and to follow your voice even when it feels difficult or lonely.”
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Sinners and Jesus
The prestigious religious leaders derided Jesus for eating with “tax collectors and sinners.”
- Who are the "tax collectors and sinners" in our society (or even in our church) today?
- What does it mean for us to recognize that Jesus welcomes them?
“Jesus, help me see others the way you do. Teach me to welcome those I might otherwise judge or exclude, and remind me that your table is big enough for all.”
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The Work of Change
The story of top-ranked tennis player Jannik Sinner tells us that growth often requires making hard changes—even losing ground before gaining strength.
- What is one area in your spiritual life where God may be inviting you to change, even if it feels uncomfortable or costly?
- How do you get through the "losing ground before gaining strength" part of making changes?
“God, show me where I need to grow. Give me the strength to make changes in my life, even when they are uncomfortable, and trust that you are guiding me toward something better.”
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The Invitation to Peace
The Sunday reflection connects peace with making changes within ourselves rather than blaming others.
- How might taking responsibility for your own growth bring you closer to peace with creation?
- ... with others?
- ... with yourself?
- ... with God?
“Holy Spirit, help me look within before pointing fingers. Lead me into peace with myself, with others, with creation, and with you, as I walk in your transforming grace.”
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