Daily Readings - Mon Sep 18 2017
1 Timothy
1I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.3This is good, and pleases God our Savior,4who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.5For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,6who gave himself as a ransom for all men--the testimony given in its proper time.7And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle--I am telling the truth, I am not lying--and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles.
Luke
1When Jesus had finished saying all this in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum.2There a centurion's servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die.3The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant.4When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, "This man deserves to have you do this,5because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue."6So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: "Lord, don't trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof.7That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.8For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."9When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel."10Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the power of faith and the universality of God’s love. In the first reading from 1 Timothy, St. Paul emphasizes the importance of prayer for all people, especially those in positions of authority, so that we might live peaceful and holy lives. He reminds us that God desires the salvation of all and that Christ Jesus is the one mediator between God and humanity, who gave himself as a ransom for all. This passage underscores the unity of God’s plan and the role of prayer in bringing people to the truth.
In the Gospel, Luke presents the story of the centurion whose servant was healed by Jesus. The centurion, though a Gentile, showed remarkable faith. He humbly recognized his unworthiness to have Jesus enter his home, yet he trusted that Jesus’ word alone could heal his servant. Jesus, moved by this faith, praised the centurion and healed the servant instantly. This story highlights the boundless reach of God’s grace and the transformative power of faith, even in those who may seem far from God.
These readings remind us that faith is not limited by our background or status. Like the centurion, we are called to trust in God’s power and providence, even when we feel unworthy or when circumstances seem impossible. St. Paul’s exhortation to pray for all people challenges us to broaden our hearts and recognize that God’s plan of salvation extends to everyone. As we go about our daily lives, let us cultivate this kind of faith—humble, trusting, and open to the ways God can work through us and for others. May we, like the centurion, allow our faith to be a bridge that connects others to God’s healing and love.