24th Week in Ordinary Time : Friday 19th September 2025

In this pastoral letter to Timothy, whom Paul trusted and had close relationship with, Paul expressed that He was concerned about correcting false teaching in the Church. He contrasted true and false teaching – true teaching would follow “the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ.” False teachers would lead people to ungodliness, self-centredness and a desire for riches. Paul urged the people to remember the confession of faith that they had made and to live a life of faithfulness and godliness to which Christ had called them.

Jesus was travelling throughout the countryside proclaiming the good news and healing people. This was exactly what He had said He must do. Along the wayJesus had called the disciples and they were still with Him. Jesus must have demonstrated His truthfulness and authenticity but also a visible messianic hope, that the disciples had left everything to follow Him. During His ministry, Jesus had healed many, some of whom left their homes and continued to walk with Jesus and the disciples. Many of these were women – some were wealthy and were supporting the ministry financially as well. Their presence continued throughout Jesus’ ministry, even at His crucifixion and resurrection and beyond. We see that these women were important because in the end, they were the first to transmit the truth of the resurrection, as they were supporting Jesus and the disciples and serving Jesus’ true and abiding ministry of compassion.

PRAYER Lord, help me to serve You faithfully and to be true to Your abiding friendship.