We Are Called To Be Jesus’ Companions
Introduction
In today’s first reading Paul gives a summary of his first letter to Timothy and blames the false teachers who cause difficulties in the community. Most of the time they sow dissent by disputes about words and interminable discussions.
Luke is the evangelist who describes the contribution of women in the apostolate of Jesus. Christ has liberated them from the alienations of Jewish society. They accompanied Jesus since the beginning of his ministry and had a status not far remote from that of the Twelve; after the resurrection they were the first to proclaim that Christ was risen. That is top duty. Together with the Twelve, they are companions of Jesus as he goes from town to town to bring the good news. Companions are people who share the same table.
1 Reading: 1 Timothy 6:2c-12
Beloved: Teach and urge these things. Whoever teaches something different and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the religious teaching is conceited, understanding nothing, and has a morbid disposition for arguments and verbal disputes. From these come envy, rivalry, insults, evil suspicions, and mutual friction among people with corrupted minds, who are deprived of the truth, supposing religion to be a means of gain. Indeed, religion with contentment is a 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, we shall be content with that. Those who want to be rich are falling into temptation and into a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains. But you, man of God, avoid all this. Instead, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Compete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Responsorial Psalm: PS 49:6-7, 8-10, 17-18, 19-20
R. Blessed the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!
Why should I fear in evil days
when my wicked ensnarers ring me round?
They trust in their wealth;
the abundance of their riches is their boast. R.
Yet in no way can a man redeem himself,
or pay his own ransom to God;
Too high is the price to redeem one’s life; he would never have enough
to remain alive always and not see destruction. R.
Fear not when a man grows rich,
when the wealth of his house becomes great,
For when he dies, he shall take none of it;
his wealth shall not follow him down. R.
Though in his lifetime he counted himself blessed,
“They will praise you for doing well for yourself,”
He shall join the circle of his forebears
who shall never more see light. R.
Alleluia: cf. Mt 11:25
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;
you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Luke 8:1-3
Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.
Commentary
As Jesus continues his preaching mission, he is accompanied by the Twelve and by a number of women, three of whom are mentioned by name. It is somewhat surprising to have women as part of an itinerant mission. They proved very helpful, however, in providing for the needs of Christ and his apostles.
This brings us to a merited consideration of the role that women play in the life of the church. Today it is safe to say that the institution would not be able to function without them. And this was true in the past as well. Women religious were responsible for the education of the young. It was due to the competence with which this was done that the Catholic Church was built on such a firm foundation in this country. Today women are involved in almost all areas of parochial life. These include religious education, the social ministries, presence to the bereaved, and Eucharistic ministry. Their unfailing presence to spiritual need in so many forms is reason for deep gratitude.
Timothy today is advised to avoid discord and greed at all cost. If our basic needs are provided for, we should be grateful and content. Christians are called to a positive way of life, and the pursuit of virtue is paramount. It is eternal life to which we have been called. Therefore, lay hold of it with uncompromising faith.
Blessing
The women who accompanied Jesus “served him,” says the gospel. Jesus was among us as the one who serves, and we, men and women, serve with him. May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!