Daily Catholic Mass Readings for November 14, 2018
First Reading: Titus 3.1-7
1Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,2to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.3For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.4But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,5he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,6whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,7so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Psalm 23
1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.2He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.3He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
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
In today's readings, we encounter profound lessons on grace, gratitude, and the transformation of the human heart. The first reading from Titus reminds us of our call to live virtuous lives, obeying authorities and avoiding malice, as we were once lost in sin but saved by God's mercy through the Holy Spirit. The Gospel from Luke narrates the healing of ten lepers, with only the Samaritan returning to thank Jesus, highlighting the importance of gratitude and faith.
The context of Titus is a pastoral letter guiding Christians on living harmoniously in society, emphasizing obedience and kindness. Luke's Gospel, set during Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, illustrates His compassionate ministry and the response of gratitude from a Samaritan, a foreigner, underscoring that true faith transcends boundaries.
Both readings intertwine the themes of God's grace and our response. Titus focuses on internal transformation through mercy, while Luke's narrative shows the external act of thanksgiving. This teaches us to acknowledge God's grace in our lives and respond with heartfelt gratitude. In our daily lives, let us practice thanksgiving, recognizing God's mercy and living virtuously, ensuring that our faith is not just in our hearts but also in our actions.