Daily Readings - Tue Nov 08 2022
Titus
1You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.2Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.3Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.4Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children,5to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.6Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.7In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness8and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.11For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.12It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,13while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,14who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
Luke
7"Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, 'Come along now and sit down to eat'?8Would he not rather say, 'Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink'?9Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do?10So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'"
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.