Catholic Mass Readings and Reflection November 13, 2024

13th November 2024 (Wednesday)

Psalter: Week 4

Readings of the Day

First Reading: Titus 3:1-7

Beloved: Remind everyone to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarrelling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy towards all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 (R. 1)

R/. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want

Gospel Acclamation

V/. Alleluia

R/. Alleluia

V/. Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you

R/. Alleluia.

Gospel: Luke 17:11-19

On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”

Daily Gospel Reflection

Wednesday – Thirty-Second Week of Ordinary Time

Guidelines: Gratitude is a sign of rectitude of heart. Gratitude is not a mere matter of receiving and giving a profuse vote of thanks, but fosters a culture of deep humility, prompt recognition of the goodness of others and also responsibility toward what is received

1. We are living in a world where the spirit of gratitude is either on the decline or is very shallow. Often it is just momentary. Today once again Jesus reminds us that gratitude is a fundamental attitude of life. One should not take for granted the good done.

2. This is what the nine lepers in the gospel did. Jesus heals ten lepers but only one, that too, a Samaritan returns to thank Jesus. How easily people can forget the immense good done! In healing the lepers, Jesus not only gives them physical health, but much more than that: he restores their lost human dignity. He restores their lost family bonding.

3. Therefore, gratitude is a responsibility and obligation. It is not mere words but a culture of heart. In fact, true gratitude is a matter of depth, humility and sensitivity. It means that one deeply acknowledges his essential condition of givenness and inadequacy and dependence.

4. It demands that one recognizes the value of goodness and help. It calls to nurture a genuine respect and appreciation for the act of kindness. Only thus, one can be authentic and deep in his gratitude.

5. Therefore, an attitude of arrogance and undue autonomy, insensitivity and indifference is contrary to real gratitude. Real gratitude should increase in us loyalty towards the people who do that good and also responsibility and commitment towards the good done.

6. This implies a responsible use of it and a commitment to do the same kind of good to the person concerned or to anyone. Because one who receives the giving from someone, should also learn to give.

7. Thus, true gratitude can never be dissociated from genuine responsibility. To be grateful is to be responsible. We have received an immense grace of salvation. We who were once slaves to sin, are made free. We who were foolish, disobedient and misled, are now made wise, obedient and well-guided. We who lived in malice and hate, are now made benevolent and loving.

8. Should we then not be infinitely grateful about it? And we show this gratitude, not by mere holy desires and great words, but much more, by a changed life. We receive the grace gratefully, but we live that grace responsibly.

Practice: Let gratitude be a beautiful ornament that adds splendour to our spirit of humility and sensitivity. The more we receive, the more we grow humble and kind toward others