Daily Readings - Mon Nov 11 2024
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the qualities of leadership, the importance of forgiveness, and the power of faith. In the first reading from Titus, St. Paul outlines the characteristics of a bishop, emphasizing integrity, humility, and hospitality. These qualities are not just for church leaders but are virtues we all should strive for in our own lives. The Gospel from Luke challenges us to think about how we treat others, especially the vulnerable, and how we respond to wrongdoing. Jesus warns against causing scandals and emphasizes the need for forgiveness, even when someone wrongs us repeatedly. He also reminds us that faith, no matter how small, can move mountains.
The connection between the readings lies in their focus on living out our faith in practical ways. Titus reminds us that our actions must align with our beliefs, while Luke’s Gospel calls us to live with compassion and humility. Together, they highlight the importance of integrity and mercy in our relationships with others. These teachings are not abstract; they are meant to shape how we interact with the world around us. Whether we are leaders or not, we are all called to live in a way that reflects God’s love and truth.
In our daily lives, let us strive to embody the qualities St. Paul describes—being honest, kind, and just. Let us also remember Jesus’ call to forgive generously, even when it is difficult. Faith, even as small as a mustard seed, can give us the strength to forgive, to lead with integrity, and to trust in God’s plan. May we use our faith to build up one another and to create a world that reflects God’s love and mercy.