Shepherds in the Household of God

September 16, 2025 Tuesday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Memorial of Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs
Daily Readings: 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Luke 7:11-17
 

God, in His wisdom, calls whom He wills to share in the ministry of mission and evangelization. Bishops, priests, and deacons hold vital roles in the life of the Church, serving as shepherds and witnesses of the Gospel. Yet their authority is not merely a position of honor but a sacred responsibility that demands integrity, discipline, and holiness of life. Their character and conduct must inspire the faithful and build up the Body of Christ.

In today’s reading, St. Paul outlines the qualities expected of bishops and deacons. A bishop, he says, must be “above reproach”, faithful in marriage, temperate, sensible, hospitable, and capable of teaching. He must not be given to violence, drunkenness, or greed, but rather be gentle and self-controlled. A bishop’s ability to guide his family well becomes the testing ground for his capacity to shepherd the larger family of faith.

Similarly, deacons are called to a life of dignity, sincerity, and faithfulness. They are not to be double-tongued, addicted to wine, or driven by love of money. Instead, they must hold fast to the mystery of faith with a clear conscience and live blamelessly in their ministry. Paul emphasizes that both bishops and deacons must not be recent converts, lest pride overtake them, but must be mature in faith and experience. The mention of women also highlights their important role: they are called to be serious, temperate, and faithful in all things, serving the Church with devotion.

These instructions remind us that leadership in the Church is not about status but about service. It is a call to embody Christ, the Good Shepherd, through humility, compassion, and fidelity. The ministry of bishops, priests, deacons, and consecrated women is fruitful only when grounded in prayer, discipline, and love for God’s people.

As members of the Church, we too share this responsibility: to pray for our shepherds, support them in their mission, and together build up the household of God in unity and love.

Call to Action: Pray earnestly for our bishops, priests, deacons, and consecrated women, that their ministry may remain faithful, humble, and fruitful in Christ.