Daily Readings - Wed Nov 11 2020
Titus
1Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,2To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.3For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.4But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;6Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
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 are reminded of the transformative power of gratitude and faith. The first reading from Titus encourages believers to live virtuous lives, obeying authorities and avoiding malice, while emphasizing that our salvation comes not from our deeds but from God's mercy. This mercy regenerates us through the Holy Spirit, making us heirs of eternal life. The Gospel from Luke narrates Jesus healing ten lepers, with only one returning to express thanks, a Samaritan, whose faith Jesus commends.
Both readings highlight the importance of gratitude. Titus underscores being mindful of God's mercy, while Luke's Gospel illustrates the impact of acknowledging God's blessings. The Samaritan's gratitude stands out, teaching us that true faith is accompanied by thanksgiving. This reflects the broader theme of recognizing God's grace in our lives, regardless of our background or circumstances.
In our daily lives, we are called to cultivate gratitude, recognizing the blessings we often overlook. Like the Samaritan, we should humbly acknowledge God's mercy, allowing it to transform us. This practice not only deepens our faith but also inspires us to live with compassion and kindness. Let us remember that gratitude is not just a response but a way of life, reflecting our trust in God's providence and love.