Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr
Readings: Ti 2:1-8, 11-14; PS 37:3-4, 18 and 23, 27 and 29; Lk 17:7-10
Summary
In our reading portions today, we have two sets of admonition, one for all Christians and one for the Apostles. The first broken down by age category and the second by the servant role of the clerical state. They are critical for us in our age too.
Christian Behavior
Christian behavior begins with the older men and older women. We should know better given our age and supposed wisdom. We are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, love, and endurance. Even more so, reverent in our behavior, not slanderers, not addicted to drink, and teaching what is good. When we start there as older men and older women, younger men and younger women have the example to find their own virtues and integrity.
Transformation of Life
For the grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires.
For Clerics (which includes the admonitions to all Christians)
Beginning with the Apostles, we must have the Attitude of a Servant. The Sacramental system clerics are given to provide and preside must be considered the obedience of the commandment of the Lord, and we ourselves unprofitable servants. Unprofitable is the sense of the worldly things and done in humility and personal integrity. It is dominus supple, the master provides. For it is by the grace of God that all good things come.
Reflection
Today is the memorial of Saint Josaphat. It is wise to consider the Franciscan reflection which includes in part this entry: The seeds of separation were sown in the fourth century when the Roman Empire was divided into East and West. The actual split came over customs such as using unleavened bread, Saturday fasting, and celibacy. No doubt the political involvement of religious leaders on both sides was a large factor, and doctrinal disagreement was present. But no reason was enough to justify the present tragic division in Christendom.
Reference: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-josaphat/
Personal Reflection
We are facing a new split in the Church. The split comes over customs such as using (place your petulant items in this list. A list that comes only from personal prayer and reflection). No doubt the political involvement of religious leaders on all sides is a large factor, and doctrinal disagreement results. Partly because we hyper-examine the opinions of others and brush aside the same of our own thoughts.
Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.
Sacred Readings
Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111224.cfm
First Reading
Christian Behavior and Transformation of Life.
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.
Responsorial
The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.
Gospel Acclamation (see Jn 14:23)
Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him.
Gospel
Attitude of a Servant.
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.’”
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry