Daily Readings - Mon Sep 18 2023
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 powerful messages about faith, prayer, and the universal reach of God’s grace. The first reading from 1 Timothy emphasizes the importance of praying for everyone, especially those in positions of authority, so that we may live peaceful and godly lives. It reminds us that God desires the salvation of all people and that Jesus Christ is the unique mediator between God and humanity. The Gospel from Luke tells the story of a Roman centurion whose servant was healed by Jesus. The centurion’s remarkable faith, despite being a Gentile, moves Jesus to commend him and restore his servant to health.
These readings are deeply connected in their themes of faith and prayer. In 1 Timothy, we see the call to universal prayer, recognizing that God’s plan of salvation extends to all people. In Luke, we witness the practical outcome of such faith and prayer, as the centurion’s trust in Jesus leads to a miraculous healing. The centurion’s humility and recognition of his unworthiness before Jesus are particularly striking, showing that true faith is rooted in surrender and trust in God’s power.
As we reflect on these readings, we are invited to examine our own approach to prayer and faith. Do we pray for those around us, especially those in need or in positions of authority? Do we trust in God’s power to act in our lives and in the lives of others? The centurion’s example teaches us that faith can cross boundaries and that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Let us strive to live with the same humility and trust, knowing that our prayers can be instruments of healing and unity in a world that often feels divided. May we, like the centurion, be witnesses to the power of faith and the boundless love of God.