Friday 17th September 2021. Read 1 Timothy 6:2-12, Psalm 49 and Luke 8:1-3
“There is great gain in godliness with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. (1 Timothy 6:6-7)
In today’s first reading, Paul is speaking directly to Timothy, a young man who had just become Bishop in the early chur
ch. Paul warns Timothy of the temptation of using his office as Bishop as a money-making enterprise.
As far back as that time, there were many charlatans who were attracted to ministry not to save souls but to make money for themselves. For instance, there was Simon, the Magician who wanted to offer money to Peter to buy the power of the Holy Spirit. (Cf. Acts 8:9-24)
Those who consider ministry as a money-making enterprise, according to St. Paul, “fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and hurtful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs. But as for you, man of God, shun all this.” (1 Timothy 6:9-11).
Jesus refused to bow to satan at the offer of all the kingdoms and riches of the world. (Cf. Luke 4:6-7). The truth is that satan continues to tempt God’s Ministers even to this day. In our Gospel passage today, Luke mentions the fact that apart from the twelve apostles who were always with Jesus, there were some women who “provided for them out of their means.” These women worked in the background but the fruit of the labours speaks volumes.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, may I never be ruled by money but continue to
serve your people in sincerity and truth. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Friday of week 24 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1 Timothy 6:2-12, Psalm 49 and Luke 8:1-3).
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