Venerable-Martyr Stephen the New (c. 764). Holy Martyr Irenarchus (284-305).
Nativity Fast.
Titus 1:5-2:1. Luke 20:9-18.
Read Titus 1:5-2:1
St. Paul probably wrote his letter to Titus around the same time he wrote his first letter to Timothy. Whereas Timothy was working with already-establish churches, Titus was commissioned to “amend what was defective, and appoint elders in every town” in Crete (Titus 1:5). In the cases of both Titus in Crete and Timothy in Asia Minor, they had to combat false doctrines inspired by gnostic beliefs and Jewish practices.
In today’s reading, Paul tells Titus what kind of men should be appointed as elders (that is, “presbyters”) and overseers (that is, “bishops”) over Christian communities. Regarding presbyters: “if any man is blameless, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery and not being subordinate” (Titus 1:6). Regarding bishops: “as God’s steward, must be blameless; he must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of goodness, master of himself, upright, holy, and self-controlled; he must hold firm to the sure word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to confute those who contradict it” (Titus 1:7-9). From the earliest days of the Church, high moral standards were demanded of its leaders who were seen as “God’s stewards.” It is important not only that they conduct themselves well but also that they can transmit Christ’s teachings soundly.
Near the end of the reading, Paul comments: “To the pure all things are pure, but to the corrupt and unbelieving nothing is pure; their very minds and consciences are corrupted” (Titus 1:15). Maybe we have observed in our own lives how living sinfully can taint the way we think and behave. God has purified us in the waters of baptism, but even after receiving such a great gift from Him, do we continue to “deny Him by our deeds?” Are we “detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good deed?” (See Titus 1:16). Let us ask God to purify us and allow Him to renew our minds through repentance.