Friday of the Twenty-fourth week in Ordinary Time

First Letter to Timothy 6:2-12.
Those whose masters are believers must not take advantage of them because they are brothers but must give better service because those who will profit from their work are believers and are beloved.
Whoever teaches something different and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the religious teaching
is conceited, understanding nothing, and has a morbid disposition for arguments and verbal disputes. From these come envy, rivalry, insults, evil suspicions,
and mutual friction among people with corrupted minds, who are deprived of the truth, supposing religion to be a means of gain.
Indeed, religion with contentment is a great gain.
For we brought nothing into the world, just as we shall not be able to take anything out of it.
If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with that.
Those who want to be rich are falling into temptation and into a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge them into ruin and destruction.
For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains.
But you, man of God, avoid all this. Instead, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.
Compete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Psalms 49(48):6-7.8-10.17-18.19-20.
Why should I fear in evil days, when my wicked pursuers ring me round,
Those who trust in their wealth and boast of their abundant riches?
One cannot redeem oneself, pay to God a ransom.
Too high the price to redeem a life; one would never have enough
To stay alive forever and never see the pit.
Do not fear when others become rich, when the wealth of their houses grows great.
When they die they will take nothing with them, their wealth will not follow them down.
When living, they congratulate themselves and say: “All praise you, you do so well.”
But they will join the company of their forebears, never again to see the light.

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 8:1-3.
Afterward he journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve
and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out,
Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.

Commentary of the day : John-Paul II
“Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women”

Thursday of the Twenty-fourth week in Ordinary Time

First Letter to Timothy 4:12-16.
Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.
Until I arrive, attend to the reading, exhortation, and teaching.
Do not neglect the gift you have, which was conferred on you through the prophetic word with the imposition of hands of the presbyterate.
Be diligent in these matters, be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to everyone.
Attend to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in both tasks, for by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.

Psalms 111(110):7-8.9.10.
The works of your hands are right and true, reliable all your decrees,
Established forever and ever, to be observed with loyalty and care.
You sent deliverance to your people, ratified your covenant forever; holy and awesome is your name.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; prudent are all who live by it. Your praise endures forever.

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 7:36-50.
A Pharisee invited him to dine with him, and he entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table.
Now there was a sinful woman in the city who learned that he was at table in the house of the Pharisee. Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment,
she stood behind him at his feet weeping and began to bathe his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment.
When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, that she is a sinner.”
Jesus said to him in reply, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said.
Two people were in debt to a certain creditor; one owed five hundred days’ wages and the other owed fifty.
Since they were unable to repay the debt, he forgave it for both. Which of them will love him more?”
Simon said in reply, “The one, I suppose, whose larger debt was forgiven.” He said to him, “You have judged rightly.”
Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give me water for my feet, but she has bathed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
You did not give me a kiss, but she has not ceased kissing my feet since the time I entered.
You did not anoint my head with oil, but she anointed my feet with ointment.
So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.”
He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
The others at table said to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”
But he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Commentary of the day : Saint Bernard
“She has shown great love”