Daily Readings - Thu Sep 19 2019
1 Timothy
12Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.13Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.14Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.15Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.16Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Luke
36Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table.37When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume,38and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.39When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is--that she is a sinner."40Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you.Tell me, teacher," he said.41"Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.42Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?"43Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled.You have judged correctly," Jesus said.44Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.45You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet.46You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet.47Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven--for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."48Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."49The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?"50Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful lessons that guide us in our journey of faith. The first reading from 1 Timothy reminds us that our actions and demeanor should reflect our commitment to God. Timothy is urged to be an example in word, conduct, love, faith, and purity, emphasizing the importance of living out our beliefs. The second reading from Luke presents a vivid scene where a woman, known for her sins, anoints Jesus with ointment, demonstrating extraordinary love and faith. This act, often misunderstood by the Pharisees, is praised by Jesus, who sees the depth of her love and forgives her sins.
These readings, though from different contexts, share a common theme: the transformative power of faith and love. In 1 Timothy, Paul advises Timothy to embrace his role as a leader, using his gifts to inspire others. In Luke, the woman's actions show that true faith is not just about belief but about expressing love through humble service. Both readings highlight the importance of humility and genuine devotion, challenging us to reflect on how our actions align with our faith.
In our daily lives, these lessons encourage us to embody humility and love. Just as the woman anointed Jesus with ointment, we can serve others through selfless acts. Leadership, as Timothy is reminded, is not about authority but about serving with integrity and compassion. The moral here is clear: our faith should inspire us to love deeply and serve humbly, trusting in God's transformative power. Let us strive to live in such a way that our actions reflect the love and forgiveness we have received, allowing God to work through us in the lives of others.