Daily Readings - Tue Sep 16 2025
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
The readings today remind us of the importance of leadership, compassion, and faith in our lives. In the first reading from 1 Timothy, St. Paul outlines the qualities necessary for those who would serve the Church as bishops and deacons. He emphasizes virtues such as integrity, hospitality, and self-control, reminding us that those who lead the community of faith must first lead their own households well. This teaching is not just about Church hierarchy; it calls all of us to reflect on how we live out our faith in our families, workplaces, and communities. True leadership is not about power but about serving others with humility and grace.
In the Gospel, we see Jesus demonstrating the heart of a true leader. Moved by compassion for a widow who had lost her only son, Jesus steps into her sorrow and performs a miraculous act of love, raising the young man from the dead. This story shows us that Jesus is not only a prophet but also the one who brings life out of death. His actions remind us that faith and compassion go hand in hand. Just as the widow trusted in God’s providence, we are called to trust in His plan, even in the midst of suffering.
Both readings invite us to reflect on how we can live out our faith in practical ways. Whether in our roles as parents, friends, or members of the community, we are all called to lead with integrity and to serve others with compassion. Let us ask ourselves: Am I living in a way that reflects the virtues St. Paul describes? Am I open to allowing God to work through me to bring hope and healing to others? May we follow Jesus’ example, trusting in His power to transform lives and bringing light to those around us.