Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 18, 2023
First Reading: 1 Timothy 2.1-7
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.
Psalm 28
1Unto thee will I cry, O LORD my rock; be not silent to me: lest, if thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.2Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle.3Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts.4Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavours: give them after the work of their hands; render to them their desert.5Because they regard not the works of the LORD, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up.6Blessed be the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications.7The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.8The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed.9Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever.
Gospel: Luke 7.1-10
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
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful messages about faith, prayer, and the universal reach of God’s grace. The first reading from 1 Timothy emphasizes the importance of praying for everyone, especially those in positions of authority, so that we may live peaceful and godly lives. It reminds us that God desires the salvation of all people and that Jesus Christ is the unique mediator between God and humanity. The Gospel from Luke tells the story of a Roman centurion whose servant was healed by Jesus. The centurion’s remarkable faith, despite being a Gentile, moves Jesus to commend him and restore his servant to health.
These readings are deeply connected in their themes of faith and prayer. In 1 Timothy, we see the call to universal prayer, recognizing that God’s plan of salvation extends to all people. In Luke, we witness the practical outcome of such faith and prayer, as the centurion’s trust in Jesus leads to a miraculous healing. The centurion’s humility and recognition of his unworthiness before Jesus are particularly striking, showing that true faith is rooted in surrender and trust in God’s power.
As we reflect on these readings, we are invited to examine our own approach to prayer and faith. Do we pray for those around us, especially those in need or in positions of authority? Do we trust in God’s power to act in our lives and in the lives of others? The centurion’s example teaches us that faith can cross boundaries and that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Let us strive to live with the same humility and trust, knowing that our prayers can be instruments of healing and unity in a world that often feels divided. May we, like the centurion, be witnesses to the power of faith and the boundless love of God.