Daily Readings - Wed Nov 10 2021
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of power, justice, and gratitude. In the first reading from the Book of Wisdom, we are reminded that true power comes not from human strength or authority, but from God. The passage warns those in positions of power to rule justly and to remember that they will be held accountable by the Lord. It emphasizes that wisdom and prudence are far more valuable than might, and that the Lord will judge all people equally, regardless of their status. This passage challenges us to consider how we use the power and influence we have in our own lives, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities.
In the Gospel, Jesus encounters ten lepers who cry out for his mercy. He heals all of them, but only one returns to thank him. This Samaritan, an outsider, shows gratitude by falling at Jesus' feet and praising God. Jesus' response highlights the importance of recognizing and thanking God for the blessings we receive. This story teaches us that gratitude is not just a polite gesture but a fundamental aspect of our relationship with God. It also reminds us that faith is not just about asking for healing or help but also about trusting in God's goodness and expressing our thanks, even when others forget to do so.
These readings call us to live with humility and gratitude. Like the Samaritan leper, we are to acknowledge God's presence and mercy in our lives. We are also reminded that true power and wisdom come from living justly and recognizing our dependence on God. As we go about our daily lives, let us strive to cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving and to use whatever influence we have to serve others with justice and compassion. May we, like the Samaritan, return to the Lord with humble and grateful hearts, knowing that our faith has saved us.