Saint Robert Bellarmine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

2Those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brothers, but rather let them serve them, because those who partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. Teach and exhort these things. 3If anyone teaches a different doctrine and doesn’t consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, 4he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word battles, from which come envy, strife, insulting, evil suspicions, 5constant friction of people of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such. 6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can’t carry anything out. 8But having food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation, a snare, and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction. 10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11But you, man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. 12Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.

5Why should I fear in the days of evil,

when iniquity at my heels surrounds me?

6Those who trust in their wealth,

and boast in the multitude of their riches—

7none of them can by any means redeem his brother,

nor give God a ransom for him.

8For the redemption of their life is costly,

no payment is ever enough,

9that he should live on forever,

that he should not see corruption.

…

16Don’t be afraid when a man is made rich,

when the glory of his house is increased;

17for when he dies he will carry nothing away.

His glory won’t descend after him.

18Though while he lived he blessed his soul—

and men praise you when you do well for yourself—

19he shall go to the generation of his fathers.

They shall never see the light.

1Soon afterwards, he went about through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the good news of God’s Kingdom. With him were the twelve, 2and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out; 3and Joanna, the wife of Chuzas, Herod’s steward; Susanna; and many others who served them from their possessions.