Daily Readings - Thu Sep 16 2021
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the transformative power of love, humility, and faith. In the first reading from 1 Timothy, St. Paul encourages Timothy to embrace his role as a leader in the faith, despite his youth, by living as an example of virtue and dedication. He reminds Timothy that the gifts he has received are not to be taken lightly but nurtured and shared with others. This passage emphasizes the importance of living out our faith with integrity and purpose, regardless of our age or position in life.
The Gospel from Luke presents a vivid contrast between the Pharisee’s judgment and the sinful woman’s act of love. The Pharisee, focused on appearances and rules, questions Jesus’ identity as a prophet because he allows a sinner to touch him. Meanwhile, the woman, overwhelmed by her own sinfulness, expresses her love and gratitude through a humble act of service—washing Jesus’ feet with her tears and anointing them with ointment. Jesus uses this moment to teach about the depth of God’s forgiveness and the connection between love and mercy. The woman’s sins are forgiven not because of her actions, but because her actions flowed from a heart full of love and repentance.
These readings remind us that our faith is not about outward appearances or following rules, but about living with humility, love, and openness to God’s grace. Like Timothy, we are called to be examples of faith in our own unique ways, using the gifts we’ve been given to serve others. Like the sinful woman, we are invited to approach God with sincerity and love, acknowledging our need for forgiveness and allowing His mercy to transform us. In our daily lives, let us strive to live with such humility and love, remembering that it is through these virtues that we grow closer to God and become instruments of His grace for others.