September 18, 2003, Monday of the 24th week in ordinary time.

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

Beloved, first of all, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority,

that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity.

This is good and pleasing to God our Savior, who wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth.

For there is one God. There is also one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

who gave himself as ransom for all. This was the testimony at the proper time.

For this I was appointed preacher and apostle.

I am speaking the truth.

I am not lying.

Teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

It is my wish, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands

without anger or argument. The Word of the Lord. The Responsorial Psalm. The response is,

Blessed be the Lord, for he has heard my prayer.

Hear the sound of my pleading when I cry to you, lifting up my hands toward your holy shrine.

Blessed be the Lord, for he has heard my prayer.

The Lord is my strength and my shield.

In him my heart trusts, and I find help.

Then my heart exalts and with my song I give him thanks.

Blessed be the Lord, for he has heard my prayer.

The Lord is the strength of his people, the saving refuge of his

anointed. Save your people and bless your inheritance. Feed them and carry them forever.

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