📖 Readings – September 19, 2025
(Friday of the Twenty‐Fourth Week in Ordinary Time)
First Reading: 1 Timothy 6:2c-12
“Teach and urge these duties. If anyone teaches otherwise, and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching which accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit… Indeed, religion with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, just as we shall not be able to take anything out of it. If we have food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation… Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called…” USCCB+1
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 49:6-7, 8-10, 17-18, 19-20
“Why should I fear in evil days when my wicked ensnarers ring me round? They trust in their riches… Fear not when a man grows rich… For when he dies he shall take nothing away; his wealth shall not follow him down. Though in life he counted himself blessed, when he dies he shall join his ancestors…” USCCB+1
Alleluia Verse: Matthew 11:25 – “Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.” Catholic Gallery+1
Gospel: Luke 8:1-3
“Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their own resources.” USCCB+1
Reflection: Contentment, Witness, and Humility
I. Introduction
Today’s scriptures invite us to look deeply at what it means to live simply, to value contentment over wealth, and to witness to the Gospel with what we have. Humility and generosity show up together here: as we let go of pride in riches, we become free to serve authentically.
II. The Gospel Passage and Its Context
In Luke 8:1-3, Jesus is traveling preaching the Kingdom of God. With Him are not only the Twelve disciples but also women—Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and others—who had been healed and now are ministering to Jesus “out of their own means.” These women are witnesses and supporters of Christ’s mission, placing their resources at His service.
III. Broader Scriptural Resonance on Humility
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1 Timothy 6:2c-12 warns against conceit, greed, and the desire for riches; it instead promotes contentment, faith, gentleness. Humility shows in moving away from pride and attachment.
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Psalm 49 echoes that worldly wealth cannot save, it cannot follow us after death. True security comes from trusting God, not riches.
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The Gospel shows humble witness—women who had experienced healing and then chose to give, to follow, not seeking acclaim.
IV. Reflections
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True witness often comes from those who know their need: those healed know the cost, the depth of grace. That makes their giving more authentic.
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Humility says: “I’m not defined by my possessions or status, but by my relationship with Christ and my willingness to follow Him.”
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Contentment isn’t mediocrity—it’s freedom. Freedom from anxiety over wealth, from envy, from the trap of “more.” It frees us to witness, serve, and share.
Quote for Emphasis:
“Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have.” — Anonymous
V. Practical Applications
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Evaluate your attitude toward possessions: are you content with what you need? Do you seek more out of fear, comparison, or pride?
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Identify one way to share what you have—resources, time, skills—with the Church or people in need.
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Resist the lure of status and wealth as measures of worth. Seek humility in daily life.
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Support and honor those who quietly serve—like Joanna, Susanna, and the women in the Gospel—those whose witness doesn’t make headlines.
VI. Conclusion
God calls us to contentment, not covetousness; to humble witness, not ostentation. When we let go of what we grasp, we make room for what matters. May we follow Christ with generous hearts, living out our faith with humility and compassion.
Verse of the Day
“Religion with contentment is great gain.” — 1 Timothy 6:6
Prayer for the Reader
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the Word You give today—that humility, contentment, and genuine witness matter. Help me to trust You rather than treasures. May I have eyes to see the needs around me and the grace to respond with what I have. Lead me to serve quietly, love generously, and live simply so I might point others to You. In Christ, Amen.
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