Daily Catholic Mass Readings for November 13, 2019
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
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful lessons on humility, justice, and gratitude. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom reminds us that true power comes from God and that leaders will be judged on how justly they ruled. It calls us to humility and accountability, urging those in positions of authority to remember that their strength is a gift from God. The Gospel from Luke tells the story of Jesus healing ten lepers, but only one, a Samaritan, returns to thank Him. This foreigner, an outcast, shows faith and gratitude, while the others, perhaps too focused on their own needs, forget to give thanks.
The connection between these readings lies in their emphasis on the right use of power and the importance of gratitude. Wisdom warns the powerful to remain humble and just, while the Gospel highlights the faith of the marginalized. Both readings challenge us to recognize that true greatness comes not from status or power, but from a humble and grateful heart. The Samaritan leper, despite his outcast status, shows us that gratitude is a form of faith, acknowledging God’s mercy in our lives.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: How do we use the power and influence we have? Do we lead with justice and humility? Do we take time to thank God for His blessings, even in the midst of challenges? Let us strive to live with the humility of the Samaritan, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God. May we, like him, return to the Lord with hearts full of gratitude, for it is in thanksgiving that we find true healing and salvation.