Daily Readings - Mon Sep 18 2017
First Reading - 1 Timothy 2.1-7
1 Timothy
1I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;2For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;4Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.5For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;6Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.7Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.
Gospel - Luke 7.1-10
Luke
1Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.2And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.3And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.4And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:5For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.6Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:7Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.8For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.9When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.10And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the power of faith and the universality of God’s love. In the first reading from 1 Timothy, St. Paul emphasizes the importance of prayer for all people, especially those in positions of authority, so that we might live peaceful and holy lives. He 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 role of prayer in bringing people to the truth.
In the Gospel, Luke presents the story of the centurion whose servant was healed by Jesus. The centurion, though a Gentile, showed remarkable faith. He humbly recognized his unworthiness to have Jesus enter his home, yet he trusted that Jesus’ word alone could heal his servant. Jesus, moved by this faith, praised the centurion and healed the servant instantly. This story highlights the boundless reach of God’s grace and the transformative power of faith, even in those who may seem far from God.
These readings remind us that faith is not limited by our background or status. Like the centurion, we are called to trust in God’s power and providence, even when we feel unworthy or when circumstances seem impossible. St. Paul’s exhortation to pray for all people challenges us to broaden our hearts and recognize that God’s plan of salvation extends to everyone. As we go about our daily lives, let us cultivate this kind of faith—humble, trusting, and open to the ways God can work through us and for others. May we, like the centurion, allow our faith to be a bridge that connects others to God’s healing and love.