Daily Readings - Tue Nov 13 2018
Titus
1But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.2Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.3Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good,4and so train the young women to love their husbands and children,5to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.6Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.7Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,8and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.11For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,12training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,13waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,14who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
Luke
7"Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, 'Come at once and recline at table'?8Will he not rather say to him, 'Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink'?9Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded?10So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'"
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the importance of living out our faith with integrity, humility, and a deep commitment to serving others. The first reading from Titus emphasizes the need for all members of the Christian community—old and young, men and women—to live in a way that reflects sound doctrine and moral virtue. It calls us to self-control, kindness, and a life of good works, not for personal gain or recognition, but because it is who we are as followers of Christ. The Gospel from Luke complements this message by highlighting the attitude with which we should serve. Jesus teaches us that true service is not about seeking praise or gratitude but about faithfully fulfilling our duties as disciples. When we have done all that is required of us, we should humbly acknowledge that we have only done what was expected of us.
The readings are deeply connected in their emphasis on living out our faith in a way that is both virtuous and humble. Titus provides a broader vision of what it means to live a life shaped by the Gospel, while Luke narrows in on the posture of the heart that should accompany such a life. Together, they remind us that our faith is not just about what we believe but about how we live. The grace of God, as Titus says, has appeared to all people, instructing us to live soberly, justly, and devoutly in this age. This grace is not just a gift to us but also a call to live in a way that reflects the transformative power of God in our lives.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves how we are living out our faith in our daily lives. Are we striving to be examples of integrity and virtue in our families, workplaces, and communities? Do we serve others with humility, recognizing that our efforts are not for our own glory but for the glory of God? Let us embrace the call to live as people who are “zealous for good works,” not seeking praise but simply doing what is right because we belong to Christ. In doing so, we fulfill our duty as His disciples and bear witness to the grace that has been given to us.