Daily Catholic Mass Readings for November 15, 2017
First Reading: Wisdom 6.1-11
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Psalm 82
1God presides in the great assembly; he gives judgment among the "gods":2"How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked? Selah3Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.4Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.5"They know nothing, they understand nothing. They walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken.6"I said, 'You are "gods"; you are all sons of the Most High.'7But you will die like mere men; you will fall like every other ruler."8Rise up, O God, judge the earth, for all the nations are your inheritance.
Gospel: Luke 17.11-19
11Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee.12As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance13and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!"14When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed.15One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice.16He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him--and he was a Samaritan.17Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?18Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?"19Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."
Sermon
The readings today remind us of the importance of humility, gratitude, and the right use of power. In the first reading from the Book of Wisdom, we hear that true wisdom surpasses earthly power. The author warns rulers and leaders that their authority comes from God and that they will be held accountable for how they use it. The passage emphasizes that justice, prudence, and fidelity to God’s will are essential for those in positions of power. The Lord, who created both the great and the small, will judge all people impartially, and the powerful will face a stricter judgment.
In the Gospel, Jesus encounters ten lepers who cry out for mercy. He heals them all, but only one, a Samaritan, returns to thank him. Jesus points out that the other nine did not take the time to acknowledge God’s grace in their lives. This foreigner, often considered an outsider, shows true faith and gratitude, and it is his faith that saves him. The story highlights the importance of recognizing God’s presence and blessings in our lives and responding with thanksgiving.
These readings call us to reflect on how we use the gifts and opportunities God has given us. Like the rulers in Wisdom, we are called to act justly and with humility, remembering that our strength comes from God. Like the healed leper, we are invited to cultivate gratitude for the blessings in our lives, no matter how small they may seem. Let us strive to live with awareness of God’s presence, to use our talents and resources wisely, and to always give thanks for the grace we receive. In doing so, we grow closer to God and become instruments of his mercy and love in the world.