Today we begin reading from Paul’s letter to Titus. Paul begins this letter as he begins all his letters by “introducing” himself: “Paul, a servant of God and Apostle of Jesus Christ for the sake of the faith of God’s chosen ones and the recognition of religious truth.” Paul identified himself as a servant of God the Father and as an apostle of Jesus. As God’s servant Paul puts God’s will before all, even his own will and way. Like the other apostles, Paul is commissioned and sent by Jesus to preach the Gospel to the whole world:
“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20).
Paul explains that his apostolic commission is “for the sake of the faith of God’s chosen ones and for the recognition of religious truth.” This religious truth is what Paul proclaims in the Gospel. Knowledge of this truth is the acceptance of the saving activity of God and Jesus Christ. The acceptance of this truth is made concrete in the faith-filled life of the Christian as they put God’s will and way before all so that they too are “servants of God.”
Paul also orders Titus to appoint presbyters in every town of Crete. Paul lays out the qualifications for such presbyters. They must be above reproach, humble, not greedy but most of all true believers, “holding fast to the true message as taught so that he will be able both to exhort with sound doctrine and to refute opponents.”
Pope Francis has called us to “hold fast to the true message.” This true message is the Gospel. The Gospel should be a source of joy and life:
“The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness. With Christ joy is constantly born anew.” (“The Joy of the Gospel,” #1).
Today you and I are called throughout baptism to be “servants of God and apostles of Jesus Christ.” We are invited to accept the love and salvation that God offers to us and to preach that message by living out our faith and trust in God.
Image: “Saint Paul” by Nick in exsilio is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.