Daily Readings - Tue Nov 12 2024
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
The readings today offer us a powerful reflection on living a life of virtue and humility. In the first reading from Titus, we are reminded of the importance of sound doctrine and the behavior expected of believers. The apostle Paul outlines how older men, women, and young men should conduct themselves—soberly, prudently, and with integrity. He emphasizes that our actions should reflect the grace of God, who has called us to live lives that are “sober, upright, and godly” in this age. This passage is a call to all of us to live in a way that honors God and avoids scandal, so that His Word may not be discredited.
The Gospel from Luke complements this message with a parable about a servant and his master. Jesus asks us to consider the relationship between a servant who has fulfilled their duties and the master who expects nothing less. The servant does not seek praise for doing what is expected but humbly acknowledges that they have only done their duty. This parable challenges us to embrace a spirit of humility and gratitude in our service to God and others. True service is not about seeking recognition but about faithfully fulfilling what is required of us, knowing that everything we have and do is a gift from God.
Together, these readings invite us to reflect on how we live out our faith in daily life. Are we striving to live with integrity and virtue, as Titus encourages? Are we serving others with humility and gratitude, as Jesus teaches? Let us remember that our ultimate purpose is not to seek praise or reward but to glorify God in all that we do. May we embrace the grace of God, which has been poured out upon us, and live in a way that reflects His love and truth. In doing so, we become the kind of people who bring light and hope to a world in need.