Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 22, 2023
First Reading: 1 Timothy 6.2c-12
2Those who have believing masters are not to show less respect for them because they are brothers. Instead, they are to serve them even better, because those who benefit from their service are believers, and dear to them. These are the things you are to teach and urge on them.3If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching,4he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions5and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.6But godliness with contentment is great gain.7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.8But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.9People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.11But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.12Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Psalm 49
1Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all who live in this world,2both low and high, rich and poor alike:3My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the utterance from my heart will give understanding.4I will turn my ear to a proverb; with the harp I will expound my riddle:5Why should I fear when evil days come, when wicked deceivers surround me-6those who trust in their wealth and boast of their great riches?7No man can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for him-8the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough-9that he should live on forever and not see decay.10For all can see that wise men die; the foolish and the senseless alike perish and leave their wealth to others.11Their tombs will remain their houses forever, their dwellings for endless generations, though they had named lands after themselves.12But man, despite his riches, does not endure; he is like the beasts that perish.13This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. Selah14Like sheep they are destined for the grave, and death will feed on them. The upright will rule over them in the morning; their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions.15But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself. Selah16Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases;17for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him.18Though while he lived he counted himself blessed- and men praise you when you prosper-19he will join the generation of his fathers, who will never see the light of life.20A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish.
Gospel: Luke 8.1-3
1After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him,2and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out;3Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own 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.