Daily Readings - Wed Nov 10 2021
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of power, justice, and gratitude. In the first reading from the Book of Wisdom, we are reminded that true power comes not from human strength or authority, but from God. The passage warns those in positions of power to rule justly and to remember that they will be held accountable by the Lord. It emphasizes that wisdom and prudence are far more valuable than might, and that the Lord will judge all people equally, regardless of their status. This passage challenges us to consider how we use the power and influence we have in our own lives, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities.
In the Gospel, Jesus encounters ten lepers who cry out for his mercy. He heals all of them, but only one returns to thank him. This Samaritan, an outsider, shows gratitude by falling at Jesus' feet and praising God. Jesus' response highlights the importance of recognizing and thanking God for the blessings we receive. This story teaches us that gratitude is not just a polite gesture but a fundamental aspect of our relationship with God. It also reminds us that faith is not just about asking for healing or help but also about trusting in God's goodness and expressing our thanks, even when others forget to do so.
These readings call us to live with humility and gratitude. Like the Samaritan leper, we are to acknowledge God's presence and mercy in our lives. We are also reminded that true power and wisdom come from living justly and recognizing our dependence on God. As we go about our daily lives, let us strive to cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving and to use whatever influence we have to serve others with justice and compassion. May we, like the Samaritan, return to the Lord with humble and grateful hearts, knowing that our faith has saved us.