Daily Bible: Be Blameless
Today’s first reading is from Saint Paul’s letter to Titus 1:1-9. Saint Paul has ordained Titus as a bishop, and has instructed Titus to in turn raise up bishops in each city where he starts a local church. In the time of the apostles, the term for bishop and priest were used interchangeably, and you see both in this reading. Saint Paul tells Titus that a bishop must not only be a virtuous man, but the bishop’s children must also be virtuous believers (this was before the discipline of celibacy was enforce – though you see that Saint Paul stipulates that a bishop be married only once, meaning that any widower bishops would be celibate).
Psalm 24:1-6 tells us that the person who is sinless, who loves what is good and true and beautiful, will stand on the mountain of the Lord and receive His blessing.
In Luke 17:1-6 Jesus warns His apostles against scandal – leading others into sin. He then tells them to rebuke anyone who sins, but also to forgive the sinner if he or she repents.
Today’s readings are a good reminder for us to reflect on the evil of sin, and to see how virtuousness brings great blessings.
Reflection Questions
1. What do you need to do next to grow in righteousness? Do you need to conquer a sin, or attraction to a sin? Do you need to grow in a virtue? Pray to the Holy Spirit to help you make this change
2. What blessings have you received from God today?
Brought to you by Jeffrey S. Arrowood at From the Abbey, dedicated to helping you rediscover the JOY of learning and living your faith so you can grow in intimacy with God.