September 22, 2023, Friday of the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time-A

1 Timothy 6:2-12

Psalm 49

Luke 8:1-3

Indeed, religion with contentment is a great gain.  1 Timothy 6:6

Lord, contentment to me means happiness. If I am content, I am at peace and not worried or anxious. It is good to be content. Paul urges his companion Timothy to be content with the “sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ.” He lists for us the evils that come from ignoring or disputing the gospel. None of these have anything to do with contentment. There is little peace and real happiness in “envy, rivalry, insults” and other such nasty ways. We are also taught that when we put the accumulation of money as our top priority we will “pierce ourselves with many pains.” Again, Lord, that doesn’t sound much like contentment. It is a great blessing to be content with what I need to live in peace and union with you. It’s an attitude that can be learned and practiced with your help. Grant me the joy of a peaceful and contented life free of worry or fear. Lord, I came into this world with nothing, and I will go out the same way. Thank you for providing me all I need to follow you.  Amen.