Daily Readings - Mon Sep 13 2021
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
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful lessons about faith, humility, and the universal call to salvation. The first reading from 1 Timothy emphasizes the importance of prayer for all people, especially those in positions of authority, so that we might live peaceful and godly lives. Paul 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 necessity of prayer in bringing others to the truth.
The Gospel from Luke presents us with the story of the centurion, a Roman military officer, whose servant was gravely ill. Despite his position of power, the centurion humbly recognizes his unworthiness to approach Jesus directly and instead sends Jewish elders and then friends to intercede on his behalf. His remarkable faith is evident when he says, “Say the word, and my servant shall be healed.” Jesus is moved by the centurion’s faith and heals the servant without even entering his house. This story highlights the power of humility and trust in God, as well as the inclusivity of God’s mercy, which extends even to those outside the Jewish community.
These readings are deeply connected. Both emphasize the universality of God’s plan and the importance of faith and prayer. In 1 Timothy, we are called to pray for all people, recognizing that God’s desire for salvation is not limited to any one group. In the Gospel, we see this principle in action through the centurion, a Gentile, whose faith Jesus praises as greater than any he has found in Israel. Together, these readings remind us that God’s grace is available to all and that our faith, when combined with humility, can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
As we reflect on these readings, let us consider how we can apply their lessons to our daily lives. First, let us embrace the call to pray for everyone, especially those in authority, that we might live in peace and harmony. Second, let us cultivate humility and trust in God, recognizing that His power is not limited by our worthiness. Finally, let us remember that faith in God can overcome even the most daunting challenges. May we, like the centurion, approach God with humility and confidence, trusting in His providence and mercy.