By: Guest blogger on November 12th, 2024
Setting the Right Example - Weekday Homily Video
First Reading Reflection (Titus 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. 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.
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. 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.
- Living as examples of integrity: Paul calls for sound teaching and good conduct, urging each of us to live as models of integrity and self-control, reflecting the values of our faith in our daily lives.
- Grace as our guide to holiness: God’s grace teaches us to reject ungodliness and live upright lives, reminding us that His grace not only saves but also empowers us to pursue a life of virtue.
- Eager for good works: In the Pastoral Epistles (1, 2 Timothy, Titus), ‘godliness’ and ‘good works’ are presented as two sides of coin. A believer is called to be rooted in godliness and bear fruit in good works.
Gospel Reading Reflection (Luke 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.’”
- Humility in service: Jesus reminds us that serving God and others is our duty, inviting us to embrace a spirit of humility without seeking recognition or praise for our efforts.
- Faithful obedience to God’s will: As servants of Christ, we are called to follow His will wholeheartedly, recognizing that true discipleship means surrendering our own desires for God’s purpose.
- Understanding our role as God’s servants: We are reminded that all we do is simply fulfilling our role as God’s servants, helping us approach our mission with gratitude and a sense of responsibility rather than entitlement.
Today’s Memorial (Saint Josaphat)
Saint Josaphat (1580–1623) was a Catholic bishop and martyr dedicated to uniting Eastern Orthodox and Catholic Christians. Despite strong opposition, he worked for reconciliation with courage and compassion. He was martyred for his mission and is now the patron saint of Christian unity.
- Father Fred's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)