Tuesday, September 13, 2011 {}St. John Chrysostom, Bishop, Doctor of the Church (Memorial)

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
As long as a single passion reigns in our hearts, though all the others should have been overcome, the soul will never enjoy peace. 
-- St. Joseph Calasanctius


READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: 1 Timothy 3:1-13
(Leaders in the Church)
1 This is a true saying: If a man is eager to be a church leader, he desires an excellent work.  
2 A church leader must be without fault; he must have only one wife,  be sober, self-controlled, and orderly; he must welcome strangers in his home; he must be able to teach; 
3 he must not be a drunkard or a violent man, but gentle and peaceful; he must not love money; 
4 he must be able to manage his own family well and make his children obey him with all respect. 
5 For if a man does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of the church of God? 
6 He must be mature in the faith, so that he will not swell up with pride and be condemned, as the Devil was. 
7 He should be a man who is respected by the people outside the church, so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the Devil's trap. 
Helpers in the Church
8 Church helpers must also have a good character and be sincere; they must not drink too much wine or be greedy for money; 
9 they should hold to the revealed truth of the faith with a clear conscience. 
10 They should be tested first, and then, if they pass the test, they are to serve. 
11 Their wives  also must be of good character and must not gossip; they must be sober and honest in everything. 
12 A church helper must have only one wife,  and be able to manage his children and family well. 
13 Those helpers who do their work well win for themselves a good standing and are able to speak boldly about their faith in Christ Jesus.


Psalms: Psalm 101:1-3, 5-6
(A psalm by David.) 
A King and His Promises
1 My song is about loyalty and justice, and I sing it to you, O Lord. 
2 My conduct will be faultless. When will you come to me? I will live a pure life in my house 
3 and will never tolerate evil. I hate the actions of those who turn away from God; I will have nothing to do with them. 
5 I will get rid of anyone who whispers evil things about someone else; I will not tolerate anyone 
who is proud and arrogant. 
6 I will approve of those who are faithful to God and will let them live in my palace. Those who are completely honest will be allowed to serve me.


Gospel: Luke 7:11-17
Jesus Raises a Widow's Son
11 Soon afterward  Jesus went to a town named Nain, accompanied by his disciples and a large crowd. 
12 Just as he arrived at the gate of the town, a funeral procession was coming out. The dead man was the only son of a woman who was a widow, and a large crowd from the town was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, his heart was filled with pity for her, and he said to her, “Don't cry.” 14 Then he walked over and touched the coffin, and the men carrying it stopped. Jesus said, “Young man! Get up, I tell you!” 15 The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. 
16 They all were filled with fear and praised God. “A great prophet has appeared among us!” they said; “God has come to save his people!” 
17 This news about Jesus went out through all the country and the surrounding territory.