Daily Readings - Tue Nov 10 2020
Titus
1But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:2That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.3The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;4That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,5To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.6Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.7In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,8Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.11For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,12Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;13Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Luke
7But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?8And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?9Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.10So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
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.