Wednesday, 12 November 2025, the Memorial of St. Josaphat, Bishop & Martyr

 

🙏 Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,
you raise up the lowly and humble the proud;
grant us wisdom to live in your truth, justice to serve one another,
and hearts full of gratitude for your mercy.
As we listen to your Word today, may it transform us
into signs of your love and instruments of your peace,
through Christ our Lord. Amen.




📖 Readings

First Reading: Wisdom of Solomon 6:1-11

“Hear therefore, O kings, and understand; learn, O judges of the ends of the earth. Give ear, you that rule over multitudes, and boast of many nations… For the Lord of all will not stand in awe of anyone, or show deference to greatness; because he himself made both small and great, and he takes thought for all alike.” livingspace.sacredspace.ie+3Bible Gateway+3USCCB+3

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 82:3-4, 6-7 — “Arise, O God, judge the earth; for you shall inherit all the nations.” USCCB+1

Gospel: Gospel of Luke 17:11-19

“On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was passing along the border between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, ten lepers met him. They stood at a distance and called out, ‘Jesus, Master! Have mercy on us!’… Then one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God with a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan.” NCEC+1

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🔍 Explanation & Application

For Catholics

Explanation

  • The first reading from Wisdom admonishes those in authority (but really all of us) to remember that power and judgment belong to God, and that both the mighty and the low are equal before Him. livingspace.sacredspace.ie+1

  • Psalm 82 echoes this: God stands in judgment over unjust rulers and calls for the defense of the weak and needy. Enduring Word+1

  • In the Gospel, Jesus heals ten lepers but only one returns to thank Him—a Samaritan, a social outcast. Jesus highlights the importance of gratitude, faith, and recognition of God’s action among the marginalized. Saint Ignatius Catholic Community+1

Application

  • Reflect on authority and service: Are we in positions of leadership (in church, family, work)? Do we serve with humility and justice, remembering that God will search our works?

  • Consider our response to God’s mercy: Like the one leper, do we return to thank Jesus for his healing and presence in our lives, or do we take his gifts for granted?

  • Practice gratitude concretely today: thank someone, help someone in need, give witness to God’s mercy among those overlooked.

  • As Catholics, we can also invite the Holy Spirit to deepen our wisdom (cf. the Book of Wisdom being about seeking wisdom) so that our judgment and choices reflect God’s kingdom values.

For Catechumens

Explanation

  • The readings show key themes for those preparing to enter full communion: wisdom, justice, humility, gratitude, and encountering Jesus.

  • The Book of Wisdom speaks of seeking what is right and true—something you are doing as you journey toward baptism or reception.

  • Psalm 82 reminds us that being part of God’s people also means standing up for the vulnerable and living justly.

  • In the Gospel story, Jesus reaches out to those on the margin (the lepers, the Samaritan). As you approach initiation, note how Christian life is about being healed by Christ and then returning to give thanks and live transformed.
    Application

  • Ask: What has God begun in me during this catechumenate? How am I growing in recognizing Christ’s mercy in my life?

  • Seek to live gratitude: maybe write a note of thanks to someone supporting your journey (sponsor, catechist, friend).

  • Begin practicing service: find a simple way to help someone in need this week—this is part of living what you profess.

  • Continue to open your heart to wisdom: pray for the gift of wisdom and understanding, so you may live in the freedom of the children of God.

🙌 Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ,
you healed the ten lepers, and you call us by name to follow you.
Grant us hearts awakened by your mercy,
hands ready to serve the poor,
and voices lifted in thanksgiving.
Enable us to seek wisdom, uphold justice, and live in gratitude,
so that when you come in glory, we may stand before you with joy.
We ask this in your name, you who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.


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