Daily Readings - Fri Sep 22 2023
1 Timothy
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.
Luke
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 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.