Daily Readings - Wed Nov 13 2019
Wisdom
1Wisdom is better than power, and a prudent man is better than a powerful one2Therefore, hear, O kings, and understand; learn, you judges of the ends of the earth3Listen closely, you who hold the attention of the crowds, and who please yourselves by disturbing the nations4For power has been given to you from the Lord and strength from the Most High, who will examine your works and scrutinize your thoughts5For, when you were ministers of his kingdom, you did not judge correctly, nor keep the law of justice, nor walk according to the will of God6Horribly and quickly he will appear to you, because he will make a severe judgment for those who are in charge7For, to the little, great mercy is granted, but the powerful will endure powerful torment8For the Lord will not exempt anyone’s character, nor will he stand in awe of anyone’s greatness, because he himself made the little and the great, and he is equally concerned for everyone9But a powerful torture pursues the powerful10Therefore, O kings, these, my words, are for you, so that you may learn wisdom and not perish11For those who have justly preserved justice will be justified, and those who have learned these things will find what to answer
Luke
11And it happened that, while he was traveling to Jerusalem, he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee12And as he was entering a certain town, ten leprous men met him, and they stood at a distance13And they lifted up their voice, saying, "Jesus, Teacher, take pity on us.14And when he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And it happened that, as they were going, they were cleansed15And one of them, when he saw that he was cleansed, returned, magnifying God with a loud voice16And he fell face down before his feet, giving thanks. And this one was a Samaritan17And in response, Jesus said: "Were not ten made clean? And so where are the nine18Was no one found who would return and give glory to God, except this foreigner?19And he said to him: "Rise up, go forth. For your faith has saved you.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful lessons on humility, justice, and gratitude. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom reminds us that true power comes from God and that leaders will be judged on how justly they ruled. It calls us to humility and accountability, urging those in positions of authority to remember that their strength is a gift from God. The Gospel from Luke tells the story of Jesus healing ten lepers, but only one, a Samaritan, returns to thank Him. This foreigner, an outcast, shows faith and gratitude, while the others, perhaps too focused on their own needs, forget to give thanks.
The connection between these readings lies in their emphasis on the right use of power and the importance of gratitude. Wisdom warns the powerful to remain humble and just, while the Gospel highlights the faith of the marginalized. Both readings challenge us to recognize that true greatness comes not from status or power, but from a humble and grateful heart. The Samaritan leper, despite his outcast status, shows us that gratitude is a form of faith, acknowledging God’s mercy in our lives.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: How do we use the power and influence we have? Do we lead with justice and humility? Do we take time to thank God for His blessings, even in the midst of challenges? Let us strive to live with the humility of the Samaritan, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God. May we, like him, return to the Lord with hearts full of gratitude, for it is in thanksgiving that we find true healing and salvation.