Daily Readings - Wed Nov 15 2017
First Reading - Wisdom 6.1-11
Gospel - Luke 17.11-19
Luke
And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.
Sermon
The readings today remind us of the importance of humility, gratitude, and the right use of power. In the first reading from the Book of Wisdom, we hear that true wisdom surpasses earthly power. The author warns rulers and leaders that their authority comes from God and that they will be held accountable for how they use it. The passage emphasizes that justice, prudence, and fidelity to God’s will are essential for those in positions of power. The Lord, who created both the great and the small, will judge all people impartially, and the powerful will face a stricter judgment.
In the Gospel, Jesus encounters ten lepers who cry out for mercy. He heals them all, but only one, a Samaritan, returns to thank him. Jesus points out that the other nine did not take the time to acknowledge God’s grace in their lives. This foreigner, often considered an outsider, shows true faith and gratitude, and it is his faith that saves him. The story highlights the importance of recognizing God’s presence and blessings in our lives and responding with thanksgiving.
These readings call us to reflect on how we use the gifts and opportunities God has given us. Like the rulers in Wisdom, we are called to act justly and with humility, remembering that our strength comes from God. Like the healed leper, we are invited to cultivate gratitude for the blessings in our lives, no matter how small they may seem. Let us strive to live with awareness of God’s presence, to use our talents and resources wisely, and to always give thanks for the grace we receive. In doing so, we grow closer to God and become instruments of his mercy and love in the world.