1ST READING
St. Paul reminds us that if we aspire to be ministers of the Gospel, then we have to live it out fully. He is aware of the power of the lived witness of the Gospel. The way Christians will change the world is through the witness of their lives, accompanied by words, where necessary.
1 Timothy 3:1-13
1 Beloved, this saying is trustworthy: whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task. 2 Therefore, a bishop must be irreproachable, married only once, temperate, self-controlled, decent, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not aggressive, but gentle, not contentious, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, keeping his children under control with perfect dignity; 5 for if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of the Church of God? 6 He should not be a recent convert, so that he may not become conceited and thus incur the Devil’s punishment. 7 He must also have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, the Devil’s trap. 8 Similarly, deacons must be dignified, not deceitful, not addicted to drink, not greedy for sordid gain, 9 holding fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 Moreover, they should be tested first; then, if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. 11 Women, similarly, should be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in everything. 12 Deacons may be married only once and must manage their children and their households well. 13 Thus those who serve well as deacons gain good standing and much confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.
P S A L M
Psalm 101:1-2, 2-3, 5, 6
R: I will walk with blameless heart.
1 Of mercy and judgment I will sing; to you, O Lord, I will sing praise. 2 I will persevere in the way of integrity; when will you come to me? (R) I will walk in the integrity of my heart, within my house; 3 I will not set before my eyes any base thing. (R) 5 Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, him will I destroy. The man of haughty eyes and puffed-up heart I will not endure. (R) 6 My eyes are upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me. He who walks in the way of integrity shall be in my service. (R)
GOSPEL
Jesus is being compared with Elijah and Elisha who both performed miracles similar to this one in the same area. This miracle and the peoples’ affirmation testify that Jesus is truly walking in the spiritual tradition of the prophets and great seers. Miracles, however, are not enough. We need to move beyond the signs and wonders of the spiritual life to constancy of growth in holiness — doing the hard decisions of everyday discipleship.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
A great prophet has arisen in our midst and God has visited his people.
Luke 7:11-17
11 Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. 12 As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” 14 He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!” 15 The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. 16 Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming, “A great prophet has arisen in our midst,” and “God has visited his people.” 17 This report about him spread through the whole of Judea and in all the surrounding region.
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