Tuesday, November 13, 2012.
Today’s Reading 1 Ti 2:1-8, 11-14
Beloved:
You must say what is consistent with sound doctrine,
namely, that older men should be temperate, dignified,
self-controlled, sound in faith, love, and endurance.
(Most older men tend to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, love, and endurance. If we aren’t, we have at least one problem. Larger percentages of older men were similarly obedient in preceding centuries. Now, the temptations are greater and obedience is proportionately reduced. More souls are lost.)
Similarly, older women should be reverent in their behavior,
not slanderers, not addicted to drink,
teaching what is good, so that they may train younger women
to love their husbands and children,
to be self-controlled, chaste, good homemakers,
under the control of their husbands,
so that the word of God may not be discredited.
(If one watches most daytime TV, it’s easy to conclude that more older women are more interested in being independent than obedient. More souls are lost.)
Urge the younger men, similarly, to control themselves,
showing yourself as a model of good deeds in every respect,
with integrity in your teaching, dignity, and sound speech
that cannot be criticized,
so that the opponent will be put to shame
without anything bad to say about us.
(More younger people have trouble believing and obeying than in less secular times. More souls are lost.)
For the grace of God has appeared, saving all
and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires
and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age,
as we await the blessed hope,
the appearance of the glory of the great God
and of our savior Jesus Christ,
who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness
and to cleanse for himself a people as his own,
eager to do what is good.
(This is the safest way to play the hand we’ve been dealt. It is utterly foolish to put anything ahead of saving our own soul.)
Responsorial Psalm Ps 37:3-4, 18 and 23, 27 and 29
R. (39a) The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.
Trust in the LORD and do good,
that you may dwell in the land and be fed in security.
Take delight in the LORD,
and he will grant you your heart’s requests.
(We don’t have to do much to gain a lot!)
R. The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.
The LORD watches over the lives of the wholehearted;
their inheritance lasts forever.
By the LORD are the steps of a man made firm,
and he approves his way.
(All the more reason to stay faithful.)
R. The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.
Turn from evil and do good,
that you may abide forever;
The just shall possess the land
and dwell in it forever.
(The directions are simple. We have no reason not to follow them, because)
R. The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.
Gospel Lk 17:7-10
Jesus said to the Apostles:
“Who among you would say to your servant
who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field,
‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’?
Would he not rather say to him,
‘Prepare something for me to eat.
Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink.
You may eat and drink when I am finished’?
Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded?
So should it be with you.
When you have done all you have been commanded, say,
‘We are unprofitable servants;
we have done what we were obliged to do.’”
(It’s important that we know our place. Our duty is to believe and obey. We should stop griping and do what we’re supposed to do. Don’t be sullen, resentful, or angry about our place in the scheme of things. Serve willingly. Summing up the three readings: Play it safe. Believe and obey. Do your duty.)
