September 19, 2003, Tuesday of the 24th week in ordinary time.

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. I will walk with

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