Daily Readings - Tue Sep 19 2017
1 Timothy
1The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.2Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,3not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.4He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive,5for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.7Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.8Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.9They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.10And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.11Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.12Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.13For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
Luke
11Soon afterward he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him.12As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her.13And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep."14Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, arise."15And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.16Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has arisen among us!" and "God has visited his people!"17And this report about him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore the essence of leadership and compassion through the eyes of faith. The first reading from 1 Timothy outlines the qualities expected of church leaders—blamelessness, hospitality, and the ability to manage one's household. These qualities are not just administrative but reflect a deeper moral integrity, suggesting that true leadership stems from a life well-lived and a heart committed to serving others.
The Gospel from Luke presents a vivid narrative of Jesus's compassion. In raising the widow's son, Jesus embodies the leadership qualities described in 1 Timothy. His actions are driven by empathy and a divine mandate to serve. This miracle is not just a display of power but a testament to Jesus's role as a leader who serves with love and compassion.
These readings remind us that leadership, whether in the church or in our daily lives, is about serving with integrity and compassion. As followers of Christ, we are called to lead by example, demonstrating love and care in our interactions. Whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, we are invited to embrace the qualities Jesus modeled—compassion, integrity, and selfless service. Let us strive to lead with hearts that reflect God's love, transforming our world through our actions and faith.