Daily Readings - Mon Sep 18 2017
1 Timothy
1First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,2for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.3This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,4who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.5For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,6who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.7For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
Luke
1After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum.2Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him.3When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant.4And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, "He is worthy to have you do this for him,5for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue."6And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, "Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.7Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed.8For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."9When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, "I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith."10And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the power of faith and the universality of God’s love. In the first reading from 1 Timothy, St. Paul emphasizes the importance of prayer for all people, especially those in positions of authority, so that we might live peaceful and holy lives. He reminds us that God desires the salvation of all and that Christ Jesus is the one mediator between God and humanity, who gave himself as a ransom for all. This passage underscores the unity of God’s plan and the role of prayer in bringing people to the truth.
In the Gospel, Luke presents the story of the centurion whose servant was healed by Jesus. The centurion, though a Gentile, showed remarkable faith. He humbly recognized his unworthiness to have Jesus enter his home, yet he trusted that Jesus’ word alone could heal his servant. Jesus, moved by this faith, praised the centurion and healed the servant instantly. This story highlights the boundless reach of God’s grace and the transformative power of faith, even in those who may seem far from God.
These readings remind us that faith is not limited by our background or status. Like the centurion, we are called to trust in God’s power and providence, even when we feel unworthy or when circumstances seem impossible. St. Paul’s exhortation to pray for all people challenges us to broaden our hearts and recognize that God’s plan of salvation extends to everyone. As we go about our daily lives, let us cultivate this kind of faith—humble, trusting, and open to the ways God can work through us and for others. May we, like the centurion, allow our faith to be a bridge that connects others to God’s healing and love.