Daily Readings - Thu Sep 18 2025
1 Timothy
12Let no one despise your youth, but be an example among the faithful in word, in behavior, in charity, in faith, in chastity13Until I arrive, attend to reading, to exhortation, and to doctrine14Do not be willing to neglect the grace that is within you, which was given to you through prophecy, with the imposition of the hands of the priesthood15Meditate on these things, so that your progress may be manifest to all16Pay attention to yourself and to doctrine. Pursue these things. For in doing so, you will save both yourself and those who listen to you
Luke
36Then certain Pharisees petitioned him, so that they might eat with him. And he went into the house of the Pharisee, and he reclined at table37And behold, a woman who was in the city, a sinner, found out that he was reclining at table in the house of the Pharisee, so she brought an alabaster container of ointment38And standing behind him, beside his feet, she began to wash his feet with tears, and she wiped them with the hair of her head, and she kissed his feet, and she anointed them with ointment39Then the Pharisee, who had invited him, upon seeing this, spoke within himself, saying, "This man, if he were a prophet, would certainly know who and what kind of woman is this, who is touching him: that she is a sinner.40And in response, Jesus said to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." So he said, "Speak, Teacher.41"A certain creditor had two debtors: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty42And since they did not have the ability to repay him, he forgave them both. So then, which of them loves him more?43In response, Simon said, "I suppose that it is he to whom he forgave the most." And he said to him, "You have judged correctly.44And turning to the woman, he said to Simon: "Do you see this woman? I entered into your house. You gave me no water for my feet. But she has washed my feet with tears, and has wiped them with her hair45You gave no kiss to me. But she, from the time that she entered, has not ceased to kiss my feet46You did not anoint my head with oil. But she has anointed my feet with ointment47Because of this, I tell you: many sins are forgiven her, because she has loved much. But he who is forgiven less, loves less.48Then he said to her, "Your sins are forgiven you.49And those who sat at table with him began to say within themselves, "Who is this, who even forgives sins?50Then he said to the woman: "Your faith has brought you salvation. Go in peace.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the essence of faith and love. The first reading from 1 Timothy encourages us to be examples of faith, using the gifts God has entrusted to us, and to focus on doctrine and self-improvement. This letter, part of Paul's guidance to Timothy, emphasizes the importance of living out our faith in both word and deed. The Gospel from Luke presents a vivid scene where a sinful woman anoints Jesus' feet, teaching us about the transformative power of love and forgiveness.
The context of these readings is significant. 1 Timothy is a pastoral letter guiding Timothy in his role as a leader, urging him to embody faith and virtue. In Luke's Gospel, the setting is a Pharisee's house, highlighting the contrast between the Pharisee's judgment and Jesus' compassionate forgiveness. Both readings connect through their themes of faith and love, showing how these virtues should be lived out in our actions and interactions.
In our daily lives, these readings remind us to live out our faith actively. We are called to use our gifts and talents to serve others, just as Timothy was advised. The story of the sinful woman teaches us about humility and the depth of God's forgiveness. It encourages us to approach life with a loving heart, recognizing that our capacity to love is closely tied to our experience of being forgiven.
The moral lesson here is clear: our faith is not just about belief but about how we live it out. By embracing humility, practicing forgiveness, and expressing love, we reflect God's grace in the world. Let us strive to be examples of faith, just as Timothy was encouraged, and to love deeply, as the sinful woman did, trusting that our faith will bring us salvation and peace.