Daily Readings - Tue Sep 16 2025
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
The readings today remind us of the importance of leadership, compassion, and faith in our lives. In the first reading from 1 Timothy, St. Paul outlines the qualities necessary for those who would serve the Church as bishops and deacons. He emphasizes virtues such as integrity, hospitality, and self-control, reminding us that those who lead the community of faith must first lead their own households well. This teaching is not just about Church hierarchy; it calls all of us to reflect on how we live out our faith in our families, workplaces, and communities. True leadership is not about power but about serving others with humility and grace.
In the Gospel, we see Jesus demonstrating the heart of a true leader. Moved by compassion for a widow who had lost her only son, Jesus steps into her sorrow and performs a miraculous act of love, raising the young man from the dead. This story shows us that Jesus is not only a prophet but also the one who brings life out of death. His actions remind us that faith and compassion go hand in hand. Just as the widow trusted in God’s providence, we are called to trust in His plan, even in the midst of suffering.
Both readings invite us to reflect on how we can live out our faith in practical ways. Whether in our roles as parents, friends, or members of the community, we are all called to lead with integrity and to serve others with compassion. Let us ask ourselves: Am I living in a way that reflects the virtues St. Paul describes? Am I open to allowing God to work through me to bring hope and healing to others? May we follow Jesus’ example, trusting in His power to transform lives and bringing light to those around us.