Daily Readings - Wed Nov 15 2017

First Reading - Wisdom 6.1-11

¹Wisdom is better than power, and a prudent man is better than a powerful one²Therefore, hear, O kings, and understand; learn, you judges of the ends of the earth³Listen closely, you who hold the attention of the crowds, and who please yourselves by disturbing the nations⁴For power has been given to you from the Lord and strength from the Most High, who will examine your works and scrutinize your thoughts⁵For, when you were ministers of his kingdom, you did not judge correctly, nor keep the law of justice, nor walk according to the will of God⁶Horribly and quickly he will appear to you, because he will make a severe judgment for those who are in charge⁷For, to the little, great mercy is granted, but the powerful will endure powerful torment⁸For the Lord will not exempt anyone’s character, nor will he stand in awe of anyone’s greatness, because he himself made the little and the great, and he is equally concerned for everyone⁹But a powerful torture pursues the powerful¹⁰Therefore, O kings, these, my words, are for you, so that you may learn wisdom and not perish¹¹For those who have justly preserved justice will be justified, and those who have learned these things will find what to answer

Gospel - Luke 17.11-19

Luke

Chapter 17

¹¹And it happened that, while he was traveling to Jerusalem, he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee¹²And as he was entering a certain town, ten leprous men met him, and they stood at a distance¹³And they lifted up their voice, saying, "Jesus, Teacher, take pity on us.¹⁴And when he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And it happened that, as they were going, they were cleansed¹⁵And one of them, when he saw that he was cleansed, returned, magnifying God with a loud voice¹⁶And he fell face down before his feet, giving thanks. And this one was a Samaritan¹⁷And in response, Jesus said: "Were not ten made clean? And so where are the nine¹⁸Was no one found who would return and give glory to God, except this foreigner?¹⁹And he said to him: "Rise up, go forth. For your faith has saved you.

Sermon

The readings today remind us of the importance of humility, gratitude, and the right use of power. In the first reading from the Book of Wisdom, we hear that true wisdom surpasses earthly power. The author warns rulers and leaders that their authority comes from God and that they will be held accountable for how they use it. The passage emphasizes that justice, prudence, and fidelity to God’s will are essential for those in positions of power. The Lord, who created both the great and the small, will judge all people impartially, and the powerful will face a stricter judgment. In the Gospel, Jesus encounters ten lepers who cry out for mercy. He heals them all, but only one, a Samaritan, returns to thank him. Jesus points out that the other nine did not take the time to acknowledge God’s grace in their lives. This foreigner, often considered an outsider, shows true faith and gratitude, and it is his faith that saves him. The story highlights the importance of recognizing God’s presence and blessings in our lives and responding with thanksgiving. These readings call us to reflect on how we use the gifts and opportunities God has given us. Like the rulers in Wisdom, we are called to act justly and with humility, remembering that our strength comes from God. Like the healed leper, we are invited to cultivate gratitude for the blessings in our lives, no matter how small they may seem. Let us strive to live with awareness of God’s presence, to use our talents and resources wisely, and to always give thanks for the grace we receive. In doing so, we grow closer to God and become instruments of his mercy and love in the world.