Daily Readings - Wed Nov 14 2018
Titus
1Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,2to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.3At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
Luke
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
In today's readings, we encounter profound lessons on grace, gratitude, and the transformation of the human heart. The first reading from Titus reminds us of our call to live virtuous lives, obeying authorities and avoiding malice, as we were once lost in sin but saved by God's mercy through the Holy Spirit. The Gospel from Luke narrates the healing of ten lepers, with only the Samaritan returning to thank Jesus, highlighting the importance of gratitude and faith.
The context of Titus is a pastoral letter guiding Christians on living harmoniously in society, emphasizing obedience and kindness. Luke's Gospel, set during Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, illustrates His compassionate ministry and the response of gratitude from a Samaritan, a foreigner, underscoring that true faith transcends boundaries.
Both readings intertwine the themes of God's grace and our response. Titus focuses on internal transformation through mercy, while Luke's narrative shows the external act of thanksgiving. This teaches us to acknowledge God's grace in our lives and respond with heartfelt gratitude. In our daily lives, let us practice thanksgiving, recognizing God's mercy and living virtuously, ensuring that our faith is not just in our hearts but also in our actions.