How To Lead A Christian Life

Titus 2:1-8 & Lk. 17:7-10

Specific instructions about applying the principles of Christian living to older men and women, to husbands and wives who were rearing a family, and to young people were given by Saint Pail to Titus. One characteristic is self-control.

Older men should be dignified, moderate, sound in faith and love and temperate. Older women should be religious and gentle, not gossips nor habitual wine drinkers, who teach younger ones to be self-controlled. Younger women were to love their husbands, and be sensible, chaste and good mothers.

The grace of God has appeared among us, offering salvation to all people of every age and station. The Church is never a select group or an exclusive club. All of us are equally children of God through our union with Christ. We should try and reach out in love to all of our brothers and sisters without exception.

The demands that Jesus made on His Apostles seem almost severe. He told them that they should consider themselves as ‘merely servants’ even when that had done all that he asked. How is this to be explained in the light of His great love and understanding? In today's Gospel parable Jesus is asking that we must be unceasing in our labours for Him. We must never judge or criticize Jesus for He is Lord and it is His privilege to ask as much of us as He pleases – work when He says, rest when He says. We can never stop and relax with the idea that we have done enough. That decision belongs to God.

Saint Francis, who lived the Gospel and was another Christ, truly understood these words of Jesus. Towards the end of his life when he was worn out working for the Lord, and had done all he could to please Him, he could say, “My brothers, let us begin to serve God for up to now we have done nothing!”

Lord Jesus, may we lead lives of self-control, do as you say, work hard and be privileged to be your mere servants.