Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop
Reading 1: Titus 3:1-7
Beloved:
Remind them to be under the control of magistrates and authorities,
to be obedient, to be open to every good enterprise.
They are to slander no one, to be peaceable, considerate,
exercising all graciousness toward everyone.
For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, deluded,
slaves to various desires and pleasures,
living in malice and envy,
hateful ourselves and hating one another.
But when the kindness and generous love
of God our savior appeared,
not because of any righteous deeds we had done
but because of his mercy,
he saved us through the bath of rebirth
and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
whom he richly poured out on us
through Jesus Christ our savior,
so that we might be justified by his grace
and become heirs in hope of eternal life.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23:1b-3a, 3bc-4, 5, 6
R. (1) The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
Beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
He guides me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
for years to come.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
Alleluia: 1 Thessalonians 5:18
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
In all circumstances, give thanks,
for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Luke 17:11-19
As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem,
he traveled through Samaria and Galilee.
As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him.
They stood at a distance from him and raised their voice, saying,
“Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!”
And when he saw them, he said,
“Go show yourselves to the priests.”
As they were going they were cleansed.
And one of them, realizing he had been healed,
returned, glorifying God in a loud voice;
and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.
He was a Samaritan.
Jesus said in reply,
“Ten were cleansed, were they not?
Where are the other nine?
Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?”
Then he said to him, “Stand up and go;
your faith has saved you.”
Meditation
Brothers and sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ, let us give thanks to God for the gift of a new day.
When we look around us, we sometimes feel heavy-hearted because of the behaviour of those who exercise authority over our lives: political leaders, religious authorities, community leaders, parents or superiors. We have so many things to reproach them for! We see their mistakes, injustices and shortcomings. Sometimes, we find ourselves saying, “If only they would do what is right!”
Yet today, God does not first invite us to examine the shortcomings of others, but rather to examine our own way of life. In the passage we are reflecting on, Saint Paul reminds Titus of the attitudes Christians should display in society. They must respect those in authority, be obedient, avoid slander and quarrels, seek peace, always show gentleness, be ready to do good and demonstrate kindness towards everyone. For anyone who has been transformed by God’s goodness is called to show that same goodness in their relationships with others.
This does not mean that we should approve of injustice, condone abuses of authority or give up denouncing evil. Rather, it means that we must not become like the very things we condemn.
It may seem difficult to respect those who cause others to suffer. However, God also invites us to remember our own past. Before experiencing His grace, we too were sinners. We also needed His patience, forgiveness and mercy. Therefore, if God has not treated us according to our sins, why should we treat others solely according to their mistakes?
Instead of constantly criticising them, let us pray for them. Instead of condemning them, let us show them compassion and remember that Christ, who has delivered us from the slavery of sin, also wants to save others. He can use our testimony, our words and our attitudes to lead them to Him.
Let us now take a moment of silence to examine our hearts in the light of this Word: When we are confronted with the mistakes and bad behaviour of those who exercise authority over us, what is our first reaction: anger, criticism, gossip, contempt or prayer? Do we treat others with the same patience and mercy that God has shown us? Have we ever given up doing good simply because others were not doing what was right?
Let Us Pray
Lord God, our Father, thank You for Your Word, which comes today to enlighten our hearts and remind us of the path You expect us to follow. Forgive us for all the times we have allowed the behaviour of others to become an excuse for turning away from what is good. Teach us to look at others through Your eyes, to pray for those who disappoint us and to maintain a kind attitude even when circumstances are difficult. May the memory of Your mercy towards us help us to be merciful towards others.
Amen.
Intercession
Let us pray for all those who suffer because of injustice, abuses of power, indifference or the misconduct of those in positions of authority over them. May the Lord strengthen and protect them, and give them the courage not to be destroyed by the evil they experience.
Virgin Mary, intercede for them and for us!
Spiritual Exercise
Throughout this day, let us avoid reacting in anger to hurtful words or unpleasant behaviour. Instead, let us take time to perform an act of patience, gentleness, respect or kindness, and then take a moment to pray for that person.
Bebissi Stéphanie (Community of the Living Disciples of Christ)
