Live Temperately, Justly and Devoutly November 14

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. Titus 2:11-14

When you have done all you have been commanded, say, “We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.” Luke 17:10

Piety

God, source of all grace and happiness, you amaze me. First, you saved us all. For this you ask nothing more than for us to live in your friendship. Yet worldly desires and godless ways surround and seduce us every hour. Help us to be content to live within our means, to work for justice, and to praise you. Give us the courage to follow Jesus and the wisdom to do it well. Deliver us from evil and grant us peace today so we can do what will please you. Amen.

Study
http://www.usccb.org/nab/111406.shtml

Behave yourself. Sit up straight. Eat all your vegetables.

The directives we heard as a child have given way to instructions for adults to live temperately, justly and devoutly. Today’s instructions for life remind me of that famous passage from Micah 6:8: You have been told, O man, what is good, and what the LORD requires of you: Only to do the right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.

It sounds so easy!

Whether St. Paul was writing to the community on Crete where Titus was a leader or to us in our compfortable and affluent lifestyles in America, how to live takes front and center stage in today’s readings. There are no cryptic parables recounted here to interpret, just some straight- fold instructions that once again collide with force against “godless ways and worldly desires.”

The notes to the NAB instruct us that underlying the admonitions for moral improvement in the reading from the letter of Paul to Titus is the constant appeal to God's revelation of salvation in Christ, with its demand for transformation of life.[1] The motivation for transformation of their lives comes from Christology, especially the redemptive sacrifice of Christ and his future coming, as applied through baptism and justification.[2]

Last week I attended a funeral and a few days earlier a baptism. The deceased can not be transformed any more. In death, our transformation is completed. The baby has no act to get straightened out. In between, we must pay close attention.

A Christian from Germany visited the United States shortly after World War II. “I notice your churches have cushions,” he commented, suggesting churches of affluence. Then he added, “I notice your preaching has cushions, too.” The visitor had gotten a sampling of feel good sermons that treaded lightly (if at all) on the expectations God has for us regarding love and justice toward the poor. [3]

Christ loves us and is coming back. We must be careful not to do anything that would disturb him but do as reminded in the Good News, what we are "obliged" to do to please God.

Action

Over the next few reflections, I will be sharing some tips from Arthur Simon’s book referenced above that was featured in the readings when I participated in the Just Faith program in 2004-2005.

We will need to eschew cushions that soften or water down the Word. Bolster yourself instead with prayer. Ask God for the courage to follow Jesus and the wisdom to do it well.[4]

Decide on some steps, some small ones at first, that allow your faith to become more active in love with your family, friends and parish. But, act, do not postpone. These are just the first steps on a long journey.




[1] http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/titus/titus2.htm#foot2
[2] http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/titus/intro.htm
[3] Simon, Arthur. How Much is Enough? Hungering for God in an Affluent Culture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, p. 13.
[4] Ibid., p. 183, suggestions 1 and 2.