Daily Readings - Wed Nov 13 2024
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
**Readings:**
First Reading: Titus 3:1-7
Second Reading: Luke 17:11-19
**Sermon:**
In today's readings, we are reminded of the transformative power of God's mercy and the importance of gratitude. The First Reading from Titus encourages believers to live virtuous lives, obeying authorities and doing good works, not because we earn salvation through these actions, but because we are called to reflect God's mercy. We were once lost in sin, but through the Holy Spirit, we are regenerated and justified by God's grace.
The Gospel from Luke presents a vivid scene where Jesus heals ten lepers. While all are healed, only one, a Samaritan, returns to thank Jesus. This narrative underscores the theme of gratitude and the appropriate response to God's mercy. The Samaritan's actions highlight the inclusive nature of Jesus' ministry and serve as a reminder that true faith is accompanied by thanksgiving.
These readings invite us to reflect on our response to God's mercy. Like the Samaritan, we are called to live with gratitude, recognizing the blessings we receive. Gratitude transforms our hearts, fostering a deeper relationship with God and inspiring us to live virtuous lives. Let us not forget to thank God for His mercy, allowing it to shape our actions and attitudes, just as the Samaritan's gratitude led him to glorify God.