Daily Readings - Mon Sep 18 2023
1 Timothy
1I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.3This is good, and pleases God our Savior,4who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.5For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,6who gave himself as a ransom for all men--the testimony given in its proper time.7And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle--I am telling the truth, I am not lying--and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles.
Luke
1When Jesus had finished saying all this in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum.2There a centurion's servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die.3The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant.4When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, "This man deserves to have you do this,5because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue."6So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: "Lord, don't trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof.7That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.8For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."9When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel."10Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful messages about faith, prayer, and the universal reach of God’s grace. The first reading from 1 Timothy emphasizes the importance of praying for everyone, especially those in positions of authority, so that we may live peaceful and godly lives. It reminds us that God desires the salvation of all people and that Jesus Christ is the unique mediator between God and humanity. The Gospel from Luke tells the story of a Roman centurion whose servant was healed by Jesus. The centurion’s remarkable faith, despite being a Gentile, moves Jesus to commend him and restore his servant to health.
These readings are deeply connected in their themes of faith and prayer. In 1 Timothy, we see the call to universal prayer, recognizing that God’s plan of salvation extends to all people. In Luke, we witness the practical outcome of such faith and prayer, as the centurion’s trust in Jesus leads to a miraculous healing. The centurion’s humility and recognition of his unworthiness before Jesus are particularly striking, showing that true faith is rooted in surrender and trust in God’s power.
As we reflect on these readings, we are invited to examine our own approach to prayer and faith. Do we pray for those around us, especially those in need or in positions of authority? Do we trust in God’s power to act in our lives and in the lives of others? The centurion’s example teaches us that faith can cross boundaries and that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Let us strive to live with the same humility and trust, knowing that our prayers can be instruments of healing and unity in a world that often feels divided. May we, like the centurion, be witnesses to the power of faith and the boundless love of God.