Daily Readings - Thu Sep 16 2021
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the transformative power of love, humility, and faith. In the first reading from 1 Timothy, St. Paul encourages Timothy to embrace his role as a leader in the faith, despite his youth, by living as an example of virtue and dedication. He reminds Timothy that the gifts he has received are not to be taken lightly but nurtured and shared with others. This passage emphasizes the importance of living out our faith with integrity and purpose, regardless of our age or position in life.
The Gospel from Luke presents a vivid contrast between the Pharisee’s judgment and the sinful woman’s act of love. The Pharisee, focused on appearances and rules, questions Jesus’ identity as a prophet because he allows a sinner to touch him. Meanwhile, the woman, overwhelmed by her own sinfulness, expresses her love and gratitude through a humble act of service—washing Jesus’ feet with her tears and anointing them with ointment. Jesus uses this moment to teach about the depth of God’s forgiveness and the connection between love and mercy. The woman’s sins are forgiven not because of her actions, but because her actions flowed from a heart full of love and repentance.
These readings remind us that our faith is not about outward appearances or following rules, but about living with humility, love, and openness to God’s grace. Like Timothy, we are called to be examples of faith in our own unique ways, using the gifts we’ve been given to serve others. Like the sinful woman, we are invited to approach God with sincerity and love, acknowledging our need for forgiveness and allowing His mercy to transform us. In our daily lives, let us strive to live with such humility and love, remembering that it is through these virtues that we grow closer to God and become instruments of His grace for others.