Daily Readings - Tue Nov 12 2024
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
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.