Daily Readings - Fri Sep 17 2021
1 Timothy
2And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.3If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;4He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,5Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.6But godliness with contentment is great gain.7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.9But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.11But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
Luke
1And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,2And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,3And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the relationship between faith, service, and the dangers of materialism. In the first reading from 1 Timothy, St. Paul emphasizes the importance of living a life of piety and contentment. He warns against the corrupting influence of wealth and the empty disputes that arise from a life focused on profit rather than truth. He calls us to pursue virtues like justice, faith, and charity, reminding us that true wealth lies in living a life grounded in God. The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus traveling and preaching with his disciples, accompanied by women who supported him financially and practically. This passage highlights the importance of community and the diverse roles we play in supporting one another in the mission of the kingdom.
The readings are connected by the theme of dependence on God and on one another. In 1 Timothy, Paul warns against the arrogance of self-sufficiency and the dangers of letting wealth distract us from what truly matters. In the Gospel, the women who support Jesus demonstrate that living a life of faith requires collaboration and mutual support. Both readings remind us that our ultimate security and fulfillment come not from material possessions but from our relationship with God and our commitment to living out His will.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to examine our priorities. Are we content with what we have, or do we constantly seek more? Do we recognize the value of serving others and being part of a community that supports one another? Let us strive to live simply, trusting in God’s providence and finding joy in using our resources to serve others. As St. Paul encourages, let us “fight the good fight of faith” and pursue a life of virtue and love. In doing so, we will find true wealth in the depths of God’s love and in the relationships we build along the way.