UNWORTHY SERVANTS…

Titus 2:1-8,11-14
1 But as for you, teach what befits sound doctrine.2 Bid the older men be temperate, serious, sensible, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.3 Bid the older women likewise to be reverent in behavior, not to be slanderers or slaves to drink; they are to teach what is good,4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children,5 to be sensible, chaste, domestic, kind, and submissive to their husbands, that the word of God may not be discredited.
6 Likewise urge the younger men to control themselves.7 Show yourself in all respects a model of good deeds, and in your teaching show integrity, gravity,8 and sound speech that cannot be censured, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say of us.

11 For the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all men,12 training us to renounce irreligion and worldly passions, and to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world,13 awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.

Luke 17:7-10 

7 “Will any one of you, who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep, say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down at table?
8 Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and gird yourself and serve me, till I eat and drink; and afterward you shall eat and drink?9 Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded?10 So you also, when you have done all that is commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'”

MEDITATION

THE FIRST READING: It appear that the community of Crete were historically sceptical agnostics who lived debaucherous lives, wherefore Paul instruct his bishop to teach his flock qualitative values and respectable behavior habits, beginning with the mature older men and women. 

Titus is advised that his teaching must be simple yet profound and deeply insightful, moreover his character and speech must be impeccable such that his apponents will be shamed. Paul similarly expect his bishops and priests (vv 11-14) to also be zealous, pure, upright model catechists replicating a Christ-like disposition. 

THE GOSPEL READING: The apostles are put on notice that the tables will soon be turned when they will be girded—giving them freedom of movement. They will be consacrated and begin to adopt a religious way of living, gifting them to wear a warriors weaponery traversing dangerous terrain where they will administer the Holy Sacraments of mercy, healing and feeding the troubled, afflicted flock. Moreover they will understand that they are unworthy servants who were called to embue an exceptional character; avoiding worldly pleasures, servants who merely does what they have sworn to do! 

Similarly to the ordained consacrated priests and deacons, we the laity who have signed up for the married or single life cannot circumvent or abrogate our call to be servants to our spouse, children, parish community and the culture at large. To be sure, we were girded to Christ in our baptism, confirmation and marriage vows, making us unworthy servants who should take delight in serving our neighbor. 

LET US PRAY: Psalms 37:3-4,18,23,27,293 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so you will dwell in the land, and enjoy security.
4 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
18 The LORD knows the days of the blameless, and their heritage will abide for ever;
23 The steps of a man are from the LORD, and he establishes him in whose way he delights;27 Depart from evil, and do good; so shall you abide for ever.29 The righteous shall possess the land, and dwell upon it for ever.

Commentary. Henry R SYLVESTER 

Note: The daily scripture readings are taken from the Roman Missal which the Catholic Church use in the daily Celebration of the Holy Eucharist throughout the world.Some weekly readings may differ because of the celebration of local feast days.