Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 22, 2023
First Reading: 1 Timothy 6.2c-12
2But those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brothers, but rather serve them all the more because they are believing and beloved, participants of the same service. Teach and exhort these things3If anyone teaches otherwise, and does not consent to the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to that doctrine which is in accord with piety4then he is arrogant, knowing nothing, yet languishing amid the questions and quarrels of words. From these arise envy, contention, blasphemy, evil suspicions5the conflicts of men who have been corrupted in mind and deprived of truth, who consider profit to be piety6But piety with sufficiency is great gain7For we brought nothing into this world, and there is no doubt that we can take nothing away8But, having nourishment and some kind of covering, we should be content with these9For those who want to become rich fall into temptation and into the snare of the devil and into many useless and harmful desires, which submerge men in destruction and in perdition10For desire is the root of all evils. Some persons, hungering in this way, have strayed from the faith and have entangled themselves in many sorrows11But you, O man of God, flee from these things, and truly pursue justice, piety, faith, charity, patience, meekness12Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you have been called, and make a good profession of faith in the sight of many witnesses
Psalm 49
1Unto the end. A Psalm to the sons of Korah. Hear these things, all nations. Pay attention, all inhabitants of the world2whoever is earth-born, you sons of men, together as one, the rich and the poor3My mouth will speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart will speak prudence4I will incline my ear to a parable. I will open my case with the psaltery5Why should I fear in the evil day? The iniquity at my heel will surround me6Those who trust in their own strength and who glory in the multitude of their riches7no brother redeems, nor will man buy back. He will not give to God his appeasement8nor the price for the redemption of his soul. And he will labor continuously9and he will still live, until the end10He will not see death, when he sees the wise dying: the foolish and the senseless will perish together. And they will leave their riches to strangers11And their sepulchers will be their houses forever, their tabernacles from generation to generation. They have called their names in their own lands12And man, when he was held in honor, did not understand. He has been compared to the senseless beasts, and he has become like them13This way of theirs is a scandal to them. And afterwards, they will delight in their mouth14They have been placed in Hell like sheep. Death will feed on them. And the just will have dominion over them in the morning. And their help will grow old in Hell for their glory15Even so, truly God will redeem my soul from the hand of Hell, when he will receive me16Do not be afraid, when a man will have been made rich, and when the glory of his house will have been multiplied17For when he dies, he will take nothing away, and his glory will not descend with him18For his soul will be blessed in his lifetime, and he will admit to you when you do good to him19He will even enter with the progeny of his fathers, but, even in eternity, he will not see the light20Man, when he was in honor, did not understand. He has been compared to the senseless beasts, and he has become like them
Gospel: Luke 8.1-3
1And it happened afterwards that he was making a journey through the cities and towns, preaching and evangelizing the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him2along with certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, who is called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had departed3and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many other women, who were ministering to him from their resources
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the importance of living a life rooted in faith, service, and contentment. The first reading from 1 Timothy addresses the early Christian community, urging believers to embrace their faith with humility and integrity. It warns against the dangers of greed and false teachings, emphasizing that true wealth lies in living a virtuous life. The Gospel from Luke illustrates this through the example of Jesus, who was supported in His ministry by devoted women, highlighting the value of selfless service and the importance of community in spreading the Good News.
Both readings encourage us to reflect on our priorities and values. In a world often driven by materialism, 1 Timothy reminds us that contentment with what we have is a form of greatness. Luke's account shows us that supporting one another in our spiritual journeys is essential. These teachings call us to reevaluate our relationship with wealth and to use our resources to serve others, just as the women supported Jesus.
As we apply these lessons to our daily lives, let us strive to live with gratitude and humility, recognizing that our true wealth lies in our relationship with God. May we embrace a life of service, using our talents and resources to support each other and further the Kingdom of God. In doing so, we embody the Christian values of stewardship and humility, trusting in God's provision and finding joy in serving others.