Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 22, 2017
First Reading: 1 Timothy 6.2c-12
2Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved.Teach and urge these things.3If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness,4he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions,5and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.6Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment,7for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.8But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.9But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.11But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.12Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Psalm 49
1Hear this, all peoples! Give ear, all inhabitants of the world,2both low and high, rich and poor together!3My mouth shall speak wisdom; the meditation of my heart shall be understanding.4I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will solve my riddle to the music of the lyre.5Why should I fear in times of trouble, when the iniquity of those who cheat me surrounds me,6those who trust in their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches?7Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life,8for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice,9that he should live on forever and never see the pit.10For he sees that even the wise die; the fool and the stupid alike must perish and leave their wealth to others.11Their graves are their homes forever, their dwelling places to all generations, though they called lands by their own names.12Man in his pomp will not remain; he is like the beasts that perish.13This is the path of those who have foolish confidence; yet after them people approve of their boasts. Selah14Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol; Death shall be their shepherd, and the upright shall rule over them in the morning. Their form shall be consumed in Sheol, with no place to dwell.15But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me. Selah16Be not afraid when a man becomes rich, when the glory of his house increases.17For when he dies he will carry nothing away; his glory will not go down after him.18For though, while he lives, he counts himself blessed,--and though you get praise when you do well for yourself--19his soul will go to the generation of his fathers, who will never again see light.20Man in his pomp yet without understanding is like the beasts that perish.
Gospel: Luke 8.1-3
1Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him,2and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out,3and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two distinct yet interconnected messages that guide us in our Christian journey. The first reading from 1 Timothy 6:2c-12 emphasizes the importance of serving others with humility and integrity, particularly within the context of faith. It warns against the pitfalls of greed and false teachings, urging us instead to embrace contentment and pursue virtues such as justice, piety, and charity. The passage reminds us that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in living a life grounded in faith and moral integrity.
The Gospel from Luke 8:1-3 presents a vivid scene of Jesus's ministry, highlighting the diverse community that supported his mission. The presence of women like Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna, who provided for Jesus's needs, underscores the value of selfless service and the inclusive nature of the Kingdom of God. This passage invites us to reflect on how we, like these women, can contribute to the greater good through our unique gifts and resources.
Together, these readings remind us of the transformative power of service and contentment. In a world often driven by greed and individualism, they call us to reevaluate our priorities and align them with the teachings of Christ. By embracing humility, avoiding the snares of wealth, and supporting one another in faith, we can live out the Gospel in our daily lives, fostering a community rooted in love and mutual support. Let us strive to embody the virtues extolled in today's readings, trusting that true fulfillment comes not from material wealth but from a life dedicated to serving God and others.