Daily Readings - Tue Sep 19 2023
1 Timothy
1It is a faithful saying: if a man desires the episcopate, he desires a good work2Therefore, it is necessary for a bishop to be beyond reproach, the husband of one wife, sober, prudent, gracious, chaste, hospitable, a teacher3not a drunkard, not combative but restrained, not quarrelsome, not covetous4but a man who leads his own house well, having children who are subordinate with all chastity5For if a man does not know how to lead his own house, how will he take care of the Church of God6He must not be a new convert, lest, being elated by pride, he may fall under the sentence of the devil7And it is necessary for him also to have good testimony from those who are outside, so that he may not fall into disrepute and the snare of the devil8Similarly, deacons must be chaste, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not pursuing tainted profit9holding to the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience10And these things should be proven first, and then they may minister, being without offense11Similarly, the women must be chaste, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things12Deacons should be the husband of one wife, men who lead their own children and their own houses well13For those who have ministered well will acquire for themselves a good position, and much confidence in the faith which is in Christ Jesus
Luke
11And it happened afterwards that he went to a city, which is called Nain. And his disciples, and an abundant crowd, went with him12Then, when he had drawn near to the gate of the city, behold, a deceased person was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her13And when the Lord had seen her, being moved by mercy over her, he said to her, "Do not weep.14And he drew near and touched the coffin. Then those who carried it stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, arise.15And the dead youth sat up and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother16Then fear fell over all of them. And they magnified God, saying: "For a great prophet has risen up among us," and, "For God has visited his people.17And this word about him went out to all of Judea and to the entire surrounding region
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound reflections on leadership and compassion. The first reading from 1 Timothy outlines the qualities required for church leaders, emphasizing integrity, hospitality, and humility. These traits are not just ideals but essential for guiding the community with wisdom and grace. The second reading from Luke presents Jesus as the embodiment of compassionate leadership, as He raises the widow's son, demonstrating His divine power and deep empathy.
The connection between these readings lies in the essence of true leadership. Jesus' act of compassion in Luke's Gospel exemplifies the qualities listed in 1 Timothy. Both highlight the importance of leading with integrity and serving with mercy. Jesus, through His actions, shows that leadership is not about power but about serving others with love and humility.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on how we lead and serve. Whether in our families, communities, or workplaces, we are called to emulate Christ's example. By leading with compassion and integrity, we can create environments of trust and care. Let us strive to follow Jesus' example, remembering that true leadership is about serving others with humility and grace.