Daily Readings - Tue Nov 10 2020
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 explore the themes of duty, humility, and faithful living. The first reading from Titus outlines a blueprint for virtuous living, addressing different groups within the community. Older men are called to sobriety and prudence, while older women are tasked with guiding younger women in love and kindness. This passage emphasizes that our conduct reflects our faith, ensuring the Word of God is honored. It also reminds us of God's grace, which instructs us to live justly and look forward to Christ's return, who redeemed us to be zealous for good works.
The Gospel from Luke presents a parable about a master and servant, highlighting the importance of humility. The servant faithfully fulfills his duties without expecting praise, recognizing that he is simply doing his job. This teaches us that our service to God and others should be done without seeking recognition, but rather out of obedience and love.
Both readings connect in their emphasis on fulfilling our roles with humility. Titus encourages us to embrace our responsibilities with virtue, while Luke's parable reminds us to serve without expectation of reward. In our daily lives, we are called to live out our faith in our respective roles, whether at home, work, or in our communities. Let us approach our duties with the humility of the servant, recognizing that our efforts are part of our faithful response to God's grace. As we do so, may we deepen our relationship with God, living in anticipation of the blessed hope of Christ's return.