September 16th, 2025, Memorial of Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs.

A reading from the first letter of St. Paul to Timothy.

Beloved, this saying is trustworthy.

Whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task.

Therefore, a bishop must be irreproachable, married only once,

temperate, self-controlled, decent, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not aggressive,

but gentle, not contentious, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well,

keeping his children under control with perfect dignity, for if a man does not know how to manage

his own household, how can he take care of the Church of God? He should not be a recent convert

so that he may not become conceded and thus incur the devil's

punishment. He must also have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he may not fall into

disgrace the devil's trap. Similarly, deacons must be dignified, not deceitful, not addicted to drink, not greedy for sordid gain,

holding fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

Moreover, they should be tested first.

Then, if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

Women, similarly, should be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in everything.

Deacons may be married only once, and must manage their children and their households well.

Thus, those who serve well as deacons gain good standing and much confidence

in their faith in Christ Jesus. The Word of the Lord.

The Responsorial Psalm. The response is, I will walk with blameless heart. Of mercy and judgment, I will sing to you, O Lord. I will sing

praise. I will persevere in the way of integrity. When will you come to me? I will walk with

blameless heart. I will walk with blameless heart within my house. I will not set before my eyes any base thing.

...