Daily Catholic Mass Readings for November 15, 2017
First Reading: Wisdom 6.1-11
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Psalm 82
1God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment:2"How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah3Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.4Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked."5They have neither knowledge nor understanding, they walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken.6I said, "You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you;7nevertheless, like men you shall die, and fall like any prince."8Arise, O God, judge the earth; for you shall inherit all the nations!
Gospel: Luke 17.11-19
11On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee.12And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance13and lifted up their voices, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us."14When he saw them he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went they were cleansed.15Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice;16and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan.17Then Jesus answered, "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?18Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?"19And he said to him, "Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well."
Sermon
The readings today remind us of the importance of humility, gratitude, and the right use of power. In the first reading from the Book of Wisdom, we hear that true wisdom surpasses earthly power. The author warns rulers and leaders that their authority comes from God and that they will be held accountable for how they use it. The passage emphasizes that justice, prudence, and fidelity to God’s will are essential for those in positions of power. The Lord, who created both the great and the small, will judge all people impartially, and the powerful will face a stricter judgment.
In the Gospel, Jesus encounters ten lepers who cry out for mercy. He heals them all, but only one, a Samaritan, returns to thank him. Jesus points out that the other nine did not take the time to acknowledge God’s grace in their lives. This foreigner, often considered an outsider, shows true faith and gratitude, and it is his faith that saves him. The story highlights the importance of recognizing God’s presence and blessings in our lives and responding with thanksgiving.
These readings call us to reflect on how we use the gifts and opportunities God has given us. Like the rulers in Wisdom, we are called to act justly and with humility, remembering that our strength comes from God. Like the healed leper, we are invited to cultivate gratitude for the blessings in our lives, no matter how small they may seem. Let us strive to live with awareness of God’s presence, to use our talents and resources wisely, and to always give thanks for the grace we receive. In doing so, we grow closer to God and become instruments of his mercy and love in the world.