Daily Readings - Mon Nov 07 2022
Titus
1Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness--2a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time,3and at his appointed season he brought his word to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior,4To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.5The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.6An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.7Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless--not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.8Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.9He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
Luke
1Jesus said to his disciples: "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come.2It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin.3So watch yourselves. "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.4If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him."5The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"6He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the essential qualities that guide our faith and interactions with others. The first reading from Titus outlines the characteristics of church leaders, emphasizing moral integrity and faithfulness. This passage, part of Paul's pastoral epistles, was written to Titus, who was tasked with organizing early Christian communities in Crete. Paul stresses that leaders must embody virtues such as hospitality and justice, reflecting the church's commitment to truth and piety.
The Gospel from Luke complements this by focusing on community life and the disciples' relationship with each other. Jesus teaches about avoiding scandals, especially those that lead others astray, and the importance of forgiveness. He also addresses the disciples' request to increase their faith, illustrating that even a small amount of faith can lead to significant changes, much like a mustard seed that grows into a mighty tree. Together, these readings highlight the interplay between personal integrity and communal faith.
Applying these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to live with integrity, recognizing how our actions impact others. Forgiveness and faith are vital in maintaining healthy relationships and trusting in God's plan. The moral lesson here is clear: our faith, no matter how small, coupled with a commitment to integrity and forgiveness, can lead to profound transformations. As we reflect on these readings, let us strive to embody these virtues, fostering a community grounded in love and trust in God.