📖 Readings — September 16, 2025
(Memorial of Saints Cornelius and Cyprian, Martyrs)
First Reading — 1 Timothy 3:1-13
Beloved, this saying is trustworthy: whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task. Therefore a bishop must be above reproach, married only once, temperate, self-controlled, decent, hospitable, able to teach; not a drunkard, not aggressive, but gentle, not contentious, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, keeping his children under control with perfect dignity; for if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of the Church of God? He should not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, or he may fall into disgrace and the devil’s snare.
Similarly, deacons must be respectable, not double-tongued, moderate in the amount of wine they drink, and with no sordid greed for money; they must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then if they prove themselves blameless let them serve as deacons. The women likewise must be decent, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in all things. Let deacons be husbands of one wife, and let them manage their children and their households well; for those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. Dynamic Catholic+2Catholic Gallery+2
Responsorial Psalm — Psalm 101:1-2, 2-3, 5, 6
I will sing of faithful love and justice; to you, O LORD, will I make music. I will go forward in the path of the blameless; in the company of the upright, when will you come to me? I will live with a blameless heart within my house; I will not set before my eyes anything base. Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, him will I destroy. The man of haughty eyes and puffed-up heart I will not endure. Whoever walks in the way of integrity shall be my servant. Catholic Online+1
Gospel — Luke 7:11-17
Soon afterward He went to a city called Nain, and His disciples and a large crowd went with Him. As He drew near the gate of the city, behold, 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. And when the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.”
Then He came and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still, and He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” And the dead man sat up, and began to speak. And He gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorified God saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us; God has visited His people!” And this report about Him spread through all Judea and in all the surrounding region. Dynamic Catholic+2Catholic Online+2
Reflection: Humility That Heals
I. Introduction
On this memorial of Saints Cornelius and Cyprian, Martyrs, we are invited to reflect on humility in leadership and compassion—the kind that does not exalt self, but serves others even in death. Today’s scriptures highlight integrity, pastoral responsibility, and the compassionate response of Christ to human suffering and grief.
II. The Gospel Passage and Its Context
In Luke 7:11-17, Jesus approaches the gate of Nain where a widow’s only son is being carried out—death has stripped her of family, hope, and dignity. Jesus is moved with compassion. He speaks, touches the bier (act of personal involvement), commands: “Young man, arise!” Restoration comes: the son lives, is returned to his mother. The crowd’s response is awe, praise, and proclamation that God has visited His people.
III. Broader Scriptural Resonance on Humility
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1 Timothy 3:1-13 sets high standards for church leaders—gentle, hospitable, not arrogant, not lovers of money. Humility is essential for those who serve. Dynamic Catholic
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Psalm 101 praises integrity and rejects pride—“the man of haughty eyes and puffed-up heart I will not endure.” Humility in personal conduct, even in hidden places, matters. Catholic Online
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In the Gospel, Jesus’ compassion shows humility—stepping into grief, touching death’s reality, not staying distant.
IV. Reflections
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Real humility is active. It does not shrink from confronting pain or death; it walks toward them with compassion and restores life.
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Leadership must be built on character, integrity, not image. The people follow not mere words but lives that are humble and caring.
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When Jesus touches the bier, He touches the depths of sorrow. Our own hands, guided by humility, can touch the wounds of others and bring hope.
Quote for Emphasis:
“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” — C.S. Lewis
This reminds us that humility is a shift in focus—from elevating self to serving others.
V. Practical Applications
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Show compassion: When you see someone in grief or need, step in—comfort, pray, act—don’t stay distant.
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Examine your heart for pride: Notice attitudes (“haughty eyes”, arrogance) and ask God to humble you.
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Leaders: lead by serving: Whether at work, family, or community, model gentleness, hospitality, accountability.
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Give hope through action: Small acts (visiting someone, sending a word, helping quietly) bring life just like Jesus in Nain.
VI. Conclusion
Humility that heals is powerful. It restores life, dignity, and hope. Saints Cornelius and Cyprian lived lives marked by service and sacrifice. Jesus shows us that compassionate humility reaches in, lifts up, and makes whole. May we allow God to use our humble hearts to bring life to others.
Verse of the Day
“I will walk with blameless heart… Whoever walks in the way of integrity shall be my servant.” — Psalm 101:2, 6
Prayer for the Reader
Gracious Father,
We thank You for Your Word today which shows humility that heals. Soften our hearts to serve others, especially those in sorrow or hardship. Grant us courage to lead with integrity, reject pride, and follow Jesus’ example of compassion. Let our actions reflect Your love. May we become channels of hope, restoring life where there is despair. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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