Daily Readings - Tue Sep 19 2023
1 Timothy
1This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;4One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;5For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)6Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.7Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.8Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;9Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.10And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.11Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.12Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.13For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Luke
11And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.12Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.13And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.14And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.15And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.16And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.17And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound reflections on leadership and compassion. The first reading from 1 Timothy outlines the qualities required for church leaders, emphasizing integrity, hospitality, and humility. These traits are not just ideals but essential for guiding the community with wisdom and grace. The second reading from Luke presents Jesus as the embodiment of compassionate leadership, as He raises the widow's son, demonstrating His divine power and deep empathy.
The connection between these readings lies in the essence of true leadership. Jesus' act of compassion in Luke's Gospel exemplifies the qualities listed in 1 Timothy. Both highlight the importance of leading with integrity and serving with mercy. Jesus, through His actions, shows that leadership is not about power but about serving others with love and humility.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on how we lead and serve. Whether in our families, communities, or workplaces, we are called to emulate Christ's example. By leading with compassion and integrity, we can create environments of trust and care. Let us strive to follow Jesus' example, remembering that true leadership is about serving others with humility and grace.