In today’s first reading, 1 Tim 3: 1-13, Paul addresses
bishops, deacons and women. As I
reflected upon his message, I applied it to all Christians, to disciples of
Christ, to all of us aspiring for holiness.
It then reads something like this:
“Beloved, this saying
is trustworthy: whoever aspires…[to be a disciple of Christ] must be irreproachable,…temperate,
self-controlled, decent, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not
aggressive, but gentle, not contentious, not a lover of money. …[One who aspires to holiness] must manage…[one’s own person] well, keeping…[oneself] under control with perfect dignity; for if…[a
person] does not know how to manage…[oneself], how can…[such a person] take care of the Church of God [the people of God]? ….[Such a person] must also have a good reputation among
outsiders, so…[as not to] fall into
disgrace, the Devil’s trap.”
Furthermore, all who aspire to holiness, “must be dignified, not deceitful, not
addicted to drink, not greedy for sordid gain, holding fast to the mystery of
faith with a clear conscience….Thus those who serve well…gain good standing and
much confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.”Wow! We know that none of us acquires this dignity on our own. We all need Christ and the Holy Spirit working within us. We all need the sacraments and the Word of God instructing and transforming us on a daily basis. Without God, we will not attain this stature of being Christ’s disciples or being serious aspirants to holiness.
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