Titus 3: 1-7
Beloved:
Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show every courtesy to everyone. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, despicable, hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Together as a Community
There is quite a moral rollercoaster in this passage.
First, Titus lays out a high moral standard that we should follow and remind others of as well. Then he reminds us that Jesus saved us “not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy.”
So basically, we are asked to live up to the highest standards for our entire lives and we ought to invite others to do the same, but this will have no bearing on our salvation because that is only possible through Christ’s mercy.
Careful friends, there is one thing we shouldn’t overlook in this passage: Titus is talking about a community of believers. “We ourselves were once foolish…he saved us…we might become heirs…” This is a real joy of the Catholic faith. WE are drawn together by a desire to live better lives because WE have been blessed with the incredible grace of Jesus’s mercy. Together.
—John Byrd is communications manager for American Jesuits International.
Prayer
Lord, we give thanks for your invitation to strive to be the best versions of ourselves each day. We give thanks for the community of faithful who walk alongside us, supporting each other in this effort. We give thanks for mercy, confident that your goodness and loving kindness will inspire us all according to the hope of eternal life.
—John Byrd
Pray with the Pope
