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| “Christ Served by Angels in the Wilderness” by Lodovico Carracci, 1608-10 |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Titus 2:1-8, 11-14
Commentary on Ti 2:1-8, 11-14
In the first section of the reading from St. Paul’s letter to Titus we see the social conventions of the time reflected in the apostle’s words. The roles within the family were stated and reinforced as effective teaching tools for the younger generations (women and men) to keep God’s commandments, and to live in harmony within the faith community (avoiding dissension that would disrupt the “Body of Christ”). The omitted verses, 9-10, dealt with another social convention of the time, slavery, and how converted members within that social rank should comport themselves also with the humility of Christ.
The selection concludes with St. Paul’s summary of Christian behavioral norms under the instruction and influence of the Holy Spirit (“For the grace of God has appeared…”). His language clearly implies that he expects the imminent return of Christ in the Parousia, and the final judgment.
CCC: Ti 2:1-6 2342; Ti 2:12 1809; Ti 2:13 449, 1041, 1130, 1404, 2760, 2818; Ti 2:14 802
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 37:3-4, 18 and 23, 27 and 29
R. (39a) The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.
Commentary on Ps 37:3-4, 18 and 23, 27 and 29
Psalm 37 is a lament containing the plea to be faithful to God, and to remain steadfast in the time of adversity. The psalmist adds that those who turn away should return, and God will give them salvation.
“The land:” (referenced in the first and third strophes) “…the promised land, Israel, which became for later interpreters a type or figure of heaven. cf Hebrews 11:9-10, 13-16. The New Testament Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12; Luke 6:20-26) have been influenced by the psalm, especially their total reversal of the present and their interpretation of the happy future as possession of the land.”[4]
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Gospel: Luke 17:7-10
Commentary on Lk 17:7-10
Jesus continues to respond to the disciples’ request to have their faith increased. In this selection he uses the story of the servant who could not claim his master’s gratitude simply because he had finished his other duties. He was only doing what he was called to do. In the same way the disciples could make no special claim on God because they did what they were obliged to do because of their call to serve the Lord.
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Reflection:
We can call the Gospel today an attitude adjustment. If anyone thinks that, because they are really good at living their faith and doing God’s will, they have somehow earned God’s favor, that person is sadly mistaken. Jesus makes it clear to his disciples, to whom this passage from St. Luke’s Gospel was addressed, that even if they did all that God asked of them, they have not “earned” a reward. They have only done what was expected.
Does this mean that all our hard work, all our attention to what God calls us to be, is not worth while? That is not what this parable was intended to say. God’s love for us is much more subtle and goes much deeper. If, for example, a person from their youngest memory, always listens to what their parents teach, and shows them the respect and love they deserve, should that child be given a special reward? Is it not the child’s duty to follow the parent’s instructions and express love to the father and mother who shelters them, feeds them, and nurtures them, keeping them from harm, and teaches them to find their way in the world? Because the child was obedient, have they somehow gone above and beyond expectations? No, they have not. (Although, in this day and age, the example used might not seem to be quite as effective as in earlier years when children were expected to be obedient.) In a similar way, should a parent who takes responsibility for their child be given special praise because they have fulfilled their obligation? No. They promised to do that and more when they stood before the Church at the child’s Baptism.
The point is well taken. When we do what is expected, we should not expect special recognition or reward. We should offer that service willingly and joyfully, as our gift to one who has given us the gift of eternal life.
As St. Paul points out in his letter to Titus, this lesson is iterative. Just as we should not expect any special consideration from God for doing what he asks us to do, so we are called to be examples of others in how to act and behave in ways pleasing to our Father and his Son. St. Paul instructs Titus to explain to the community members that the older should be examples to the younger, and in doing so, bring harmony and unity to the community. This is his clear intent as we look at the examples he gave.
Today we give thanks to a loving Father who created us and who gives us his love and mercy. We recognize that our love must be reflected in how we act toward others, who are our brothers and sisters, and rejoice in the knowledge that through his love alone, we are brought under Christ’s headship, unified in him.
Pax
[2] The Picture is “Christ Served by Angels in the Wilderness” by Lodovico Carracci, 1608-10
[4] See NAB footnote on Psalm 37:11, 22, 27, 29, 34
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