Daily Catholic Mass Readings for November 13, 2024
First Reading: Titus 3.1-7
1Admonish them to be subordinate to the rulers and authorities, to obey their dictates, to be prepared for every good work2to speak evil of no one, not to be litigious, but to be reserved, displaying all meekness toward all men3For, in times past, we ourselves were also unwise, unbelieving, erring, servants of various desires and pleasures, acting with malice and envy, being hateful and hating one another4But then the kindness and humanity of God our Savior appeared5And he saved us, not by works of justice that we had done, but, in accord with his mercy, by the washing of regeneration and by the renovation of the Holy Spirit6whom he has poured out upon us in abundance, through Jesus Christ our Savior7so that, having been justified by his grace, we may become heirs according to the hope of eternal life
Psalm 23
1A Psalm of David. The Lord directs me, and nothing will be lacking to me2He has settled me here, in a place of pasture. He has led me out to the water of refreshment3He has converted my soul. He has led me away on the paths of justice, for the sake of his name4For, even if I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evils. For you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they have given me consolation5You have prepared a table in my sight, opposite those who trouble me. You have anointed my head with oil, and my cup, which inebriates me, how brilliant it is6And your mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and so may I dwell in the house of the Lord for length of days
Gospel: Luke 17.11-19
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
**Readings:**
First Reading: Titus 3:1-7
Second Reading: Luke 17:11-19
**Sermon:**
In today's readings, we are reminded of the transformative power of God's mercy and the importance of gratitude. The First Reading from Titus encourages believers to live virtuous lives, obeying authorities and doing good works, not because we earn salvation through these actions, but because we are called to reflect God's mercy. We were once lost in sin, but through the Holy Spirit, we are regenerated and justified by God's grace.
The Gospel from Luke presents a vivid scene where Jesus heals ten lepers. While all are healed, only one, a Samaritan, returns to thank Jesus. This narrative underscores the theme of gratitude and the appropriate response to God's mercy. The Samaritan's actions highlight the inclusive nature of Jesus' ministry and serve as a reminder that true faith is accompanied by thanksgiving.
These readings invite us to reflect on our response to God's mercy. Like the Samaritan, we are called to live with gratitude, recognizing the blessings we receive. Gratitude transforms our hearts, fostering a deeper relationship with God and inspiring us to live virtuous lives. Let us not forget to thank God for His mercy, allowing it to shape our actions and attitudes, just as the Samaritan's gratitude led him to glorify God.