Readings: Titus 1:1-9, Ps. 24:1-6, Luke 17:1-6
“Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to anyone by whom they come! It would be better for you if a millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea than for you to cause one of these little ones to stumble.” (Luke 17:1-2)
The future of any society depends on its leadership. In today’s first reading, St. Paul lists the qualities to be found in a bishop. These qualities are also required of any leader. 1) Blameless. 2) Not arrogant. 3) Not irritable. 4) Not a drunkard. 5) Not aggressive. 6) Not greedy. 7) Hospitable. 8) A lover of goodness. 9) Temperate. 10) Just (holy). 11) Self-controlled, and 12) Holding fast to sound doctrine.
- Why did Paul have to take the pain to mention these qualities? Not every human being qualifies as a leader. An army of chickens led by a lion is stronger than an army of lions led by a chicken. The Book of Proverbs states: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan” (Proverbs 29:2).
- If wicked persons take over leadership, the people suffer and become scandalised. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus said: “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to him by whom they come!” Many young people in our society today aspire to leadership. However, having been scandalised by bad examples, they dream of taking up leadership positions not to serve the people but to amass the commonwealth.
- Do you feel sad about the suffering our leaders meted out on our people? It is time to start building yourself up to take their place. Complaining and insulting leaders on social media and other platforms might not solve the problem. Over the years, many have condemned our leaders openly, only to do worse things when they eventually get into power. You are the hope for our nation. Become the change you desire to see in society.
- Leadership is an enormous responsibility. To whom much is given, much more will be expected (Luke 12:48). Are you a leader in any capacity? Remember that you will give an account to God one day.
- Today, Jesus teaches us to forgive one another without counting. As St. Paul mentions above, a leader must be temperate, not aggressive, and self-controlled. Honestly, forgiving others is not as easy. It takes great faith to let go of hurts. Hence, the apostles prayed: “Lord, increase our faith.” Are you finding it difficult to forgive as Jesus wants us to? Pray for an increase in faith.
- Today, we remember St. Martin of Tours (c. 316-397). He was born in the Roman province of Pannonia (approximating the western half of modern Hungary) in about 316 and was educated at Pavia in Italy. He was baptised, left the army and after spending some time as a hermit on an island off the Ligurian coast, founded a monastery at Ligugé in western France, where he lived a monastic life guided by St Hilary. Later, he was ordained priest and became bishop of Tours. He gave an example of what a good shepherd should be in his actions. He founded other monasteries, educated the clergy, and preached the Gospel to the poor. He died in 397. The famous story about St Martin is that while a soldier in Amiens, he gave half of his military cloak to a beggar and later had a dream in which the beggar revealed himself as Christ.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, give us the grace to lead by example. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop. Bible Study: Titus 1:1-9, Ps. 24:1-6, Luke 17:1-6).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu