Daily Readings - Thu Sep 19 2019
1 Timothy
12Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.13Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.14Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.15Practice these things, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress.16Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Luke
36One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house and took his place at the table.37And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment,38and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment.39Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner."40And Jesus answering said to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." And he answered, "Say it, Teacher."41"A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.42When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?"43Simon answered, "The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt." And he said to him, "You have judged rightly."44Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.45You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet.46You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment.47Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven--for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little."48And he said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."49Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, "Who is this, who even forgives sins?"50And he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful lessons that guide us in our journey of faith. The first reading from 1 Timothy reminds us that our actions and demeanor should reflect our commitment to God. Timothy is urged to be an example in word, conduct, love, faith, and purity, emphasizing the importance of living out our beliefs. The second reading from Luke presents a vivid scene where a woman, known for her sins, anoints Jesus with ointment, demonstrating extraordinary love and faith. This act, often misunderstood by the Pharisees, is praised by Jesus, who sees the depth of her love and forgives her sins.
These readings, though from different contexts, share a common theme: the transformative power of faith and love. In 1 Timothy, Paul advises Timothy to embrace his role as a leader, using his gifts to inspire others. In Luke, the woman's actions show that true faith is not just about belief but about expressing love through humble service. Both readings highlight the importance of humility and genuine devotion, challenging us to reflect on how our actions align with our faith.
In our daily lives, these lessons encourage us to embody humility and love. Just as the woman anointed Jesus with ointment, we can serve others through selfless acts. Leadership, as Timothy is reminded, is not about authority but about serving with integrity and compassion. The moral here is clear: our faith should inspire us to love deeply and serve humbly, trusting in God's transformative power. Let us strive to live in such a way that our actions reflect the love and forgiveness we have received, allowing God to work through us in the lives of others.