Daily Readings - Wed Nov 13 2019
Luke
11And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.12And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:13And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.14And 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.15And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,16And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.17And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?18There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.19And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful lessons on humility, justice, and gratitude. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom reminds us that true power comes from God and that leaders will be judged on how justly they ruled. It calls us to humility and accountability, urging those in positions of authority to remember that their strength is a gift from God. The Gospel from Luke tells the story of Jesus healing ten lepers, but only one, a Samaritan, returns to thank Him. This foreigner, an outcast, shows faith and gratitude, while the others, perhaps too focused on their own needs, forget to give thanks.
The connection between these readings lies in their emphasis on the right use of power and the importance of gratitude. Wisdom warns the powerful to remain humble and just, while the Gospel highlights the faith of the marginalized. Both readings challenge us to recognize that true greatness comes not from status or power, but from a humble and grateful heart. The Samaritan leper, despite his outcast status, shows us that gratitude is a form of faith, acknowledging God’s mercy in our lives.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: How do we use the power and influence we have? Do we lead with justice and humility? Do we take time to thank God for His blessings, even in the midst of challenges? Let us strive to live with the humility of the Samaritan, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God. May we, like him, return to the Lord with hearts full of gratitude, for it is in thanksgiving that we find true healing and salvation.