Mass Readings for September 22, 2023

1 Timothy 6:2-12
Psalms 49:6-10,17-20
Luke 8:1-3

1 Timothy 6:2-12
(2) Those who have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brothers, but rather let them serve them, because those who partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. Teach and exhort these things. (3) If anyone teaches a different doctrine, and doesn’t consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, (4) he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word battles, from which come envy, strife, insulting, evil suspicions, (5) constant friction of people of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such. (6) But godliness with contentment is great gain. (7) For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can’t carry anything out. (8) But having food and clothing, we will be content with that. (9) But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction. (10) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (11) But you, man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. (12) Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.

Psalms 49:6-10,17-20
(6) Those who trust in their wealth, and boast in the multitude of their riches— (7) none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give God a ransom for him. (8) For the redemption of their life is costly, no payment is ever enough, (9) that he should live on forever, that he should not see corruption. (10) For he sees that wise men die; likewise the fool and the senseless perish, and leave their wealth to others. (17) for when he dies he will carry nothing away. His glory won’t descend after him. (18) Though while he lived he blessed his soul— and men praise you when you do well for yourself— (19) he shall go to the generation of his fathers. They shall never see the light. (20) A man who has riches without understanding, is like the animals that perish.

Luke 8:1-3
(1) Soon afterwards, he went about through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the good news of God’s Kingdom. With him were the twelve, (2) and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out; (3) and Joanna, the wife of Chuzas, Herod’s steward; Susanna; and many others; who served them from their possessions.