Church leaders must have self control

1 Tim. 3:1-13, Lk. 7:11-17. Paul’s guidance to Timothy in today's first reading suggests some levels of formal leadership emerging in the early Church. There is no mention of the roles of apostle, prophet or healer, as in the days of Jesus and the focus turned to the roles of Bishop, Deacon and later on presbyter and widow. St Paul says: The body is one and has many members, but all the members are one body as is Christ. He reflects on the various kinds of gifts and abilities needed in the life of the Church. The quiet virtues expected of the Bishops and Deacons are admirable indeed: irreproachable, married only once, of even temper, self-controlled, modest, hospitable, not addicted to drink, a good manager of one’s own household, holding fast to the divinely revealed faith with a clear conscience. Today we need to pray that people of this quality will still be inspired to offer themselves for the service of God’s people.

The widow who lost her only son through death was the most vulnerable of all. It is she who meets Jesus in today’s Gospel. It says that he was moved with compassion by this woman’s plight. That impulse of compassion results in action on His part, as he restores her son to life and gives him back to his mother. It is striking that the widow in this story did not take any initiative towards Jesus; she did not cry out to him for help. Without waiting to be asked, Jesus simply responded to a situation of human grief and loss. The same risen Lord reaches out to us today in any situation of grief and loss, without waiting to be asked. When we are at our lowest and most vulnerable, his compassion remainS our support. The Lord who shows us compassionate love wants us to be channels of compassion to others in their hour of need, to carry each other’s burdens, as He carries ours

May the Lord take away our pride and calm our anger so that we may follow our Lord Jesus in His gentleness and may He give us a humble heart! Amen!! Good morning, it is well with you!!!