November 13, 2012

Memorial of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, Virgin

Lectionary: 492

A Reading from St. Paul's epistle to St. Titus

Ti 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.

You whom I love, speak the truth, namely that older men should behave properly, soberly, honorably, self-disciplined, in accordance with our religion, with love and perseverance in well doing.

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.

Older woman should do the same.  Avoid gossip, do not overindulge in alcoholic drinking, giving sound advice to younger women, loving their husbands and children, self-disciplined, modest, keepping house and obedient to their husbands so that God's word may not be  disgraced.

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.

Entreat also, the younger men to be self controlled and present yourself as an example of well doing in all things.  Your teaching should be comprehensive, honorable and beyond reproach so that your opponents will be contradicted without being insulted.

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.

For Jesus Christ has come in the flesh to save all who believe in Him and obey His Commandments.  Teaching us to Love God and Love our Neighbor and to love one another as we await His Coming in Glory.  He who gave Himself up to die on the Cross and save us from all lawlessness and wash us from our sins, preparing us to do the works of God.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 37:3-4, 18 And 23, 27 And 29

R. (39a) The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.

Trust in the LORD and do good,
that you may dwell in the land and be fed in security.
Take delight in the LORD,
and he will grant you your heart’s requests.

R. The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.

The LORD watches over the lives of the wholehearted;
their inheritance lasts forever.
By the LORD are the steps of a man made firm,
and he approves his way.

R. The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.

Turn from evil and do good,
that you may abide forever;
The just shall possess the land
and dwell in it forever.

R. The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.

Doing good is the key to salvation.  Doing good is the fruit of faith without which one can not please God:

Romans 2:6-7
King James Version (KJV)
⁶ Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:


James 2:24
King James Version (KJV)
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke

Lk 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’?

Jesus said to the 12 Apostles, "Is there one among you, who, when your servant comes in from a full days work, will say to him, 'here sit down while I get you something to eat'?

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’?

On the contrary, instead you will probably say, 'Get me something to eat.  You may eat after I'm through.'

Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded?

Is a master grateful when his servant does that which he was supposed to do?

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.’”

That should be your own attitude before God.  Say to yourself, 'I am a poor servant doing only that which I am supposed to do.'"

Sincerely,

De Maria