Daily Readings - Wed Nov 13 2024
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
**Readings:**
First Reading: Titus 3:1-7
Second Reading: Luke 17:11-19
**Sermon:**
In today's readings, we are reminded of the transformative power of God's mercy and the importance of gratitude. The First Reading from Titus encourages believers to live virtuous lives, obeying authorities and doing good works, not because we earn salvation through these actions, but because we are called to reflect God's mercy. We were once lost in sin, but through the Holy Spirit, we are regenerated and justified by God's grace.
The Gospel from Luke presents a vivid scene where Jesus heals ten lepers. While all are healed, only one, a Samaritan, returns to thank Jesus. This narrative underscores the theme of gratitude and the appropriate response to God's mercy. The Samaritan's actions highlight the inclusive nature of Jesus' ministry and serve as a reminder that true faith is accompanied by thanksgiving.
These readings invite us to reflect on our response to God's mercy. Like the Samaritan, we are called to live with gratitude, recognizing the blessings we receive. Gratitude transforms our hearts, fostering a deeper relationship with God and inspiring us to live virtuous lives. Let us not forget to thank God for His mercy, allowing it to shape our actions and attitudes, just as the Samaritan's gratitude led him to glorify God.