Daily Readings - Tue Nov 08 2022
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 are reminded of the call to live a life of integrity, humility, and service. The first reading from Titus emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine and virtuous living. St. Paul exhorts the early Christian community to live in a way that reflects the grace of God, with older men and women setting an example of prudence, faith, and love. Younger men are urged to self-restraint and integrity, while all are called to good works and a life of piety. This passage underscores the transformative power of God’s grace, which enables us to reject worldly desires and live justly and soberly as we await the hope of eternal life.
The Gospel from Luke complements this message with a parable about a servant and his master. Jesus challenges us to embrace humility and recognize that our service to God is not about seeking praise or reward but about fulfilling our duty as His disciples. When we have done all that is required of us, we should not expect gratitude but rather acknowledge that we are merely doing what is expected. This teaching humbles us, reminding us that our efforts, no matter how great, are always a response to God’s prior gift of grace.
Reflecting on these readings, we are called to live with integrity and humility in our daily lives. Whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, we are to be examples of virtue and love, not for our own glory but for the sake of God’s kingdom. Let us approach our responsibilities with gratitude, recognizing that everything we do is a response to the boundless grace of our Savior. In doing so, we grow in holiness and become the kind of people who bring light and hope to a world in need.