1ST READING Mark off the characteristics that Paul lists against the leaders you know and against yourself if you desire to grow into a leadership position. It is a tremendous challenge to be a leader; there are always difficulties that have to be overcome. It is not for the faint-hearted. Being a leader of any organization is going to tax one’s resourcefulness. 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 with blameless 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)
Posted on: Mon, 16 Sep 2013 18:11:49 +0000