Doing What is Expected of Us

Homily for Tuesday of the Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

The Lectionary for Daily Mass does not frequently use readings from St. Paul’s Letter to Titus. Other than the three excerpts that we will hear this week, it is also cited as the second reading of the Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. In fact, the last paragraph of the reading that we proclaim today is the same excerpt that we will proclaim at the Christmas celebration.

The first two paragraphs of today’s reading speak of attributes that are appropriate for men and women, young and old, who profess faith in Jesus. The last paragraph of this reading provides the reason for that behavior; namely, that the grace of God has appeared to us so that we will live in a manner in keeping with our hope that God will once again appear at the end of the age.

Every one of us wants to be recognized not only for our behavior but also for who we are. It is part of our human nature to seek such recognition. Consequently, the Gospel text for today teaches us that we should not expect a great reward for our actions, for our behavior. Rather, God will reward us for our faith in Jesus. Behaviors which St. Paul places before us are simply that which is expected of us.

What makes possible such lack of concern for recognition and reward is a strong sense that life and all that we have been given is a free gift. Waking thought and governing attitude should be one of praise and thanksgiving. The Eucharist, which is the motivation for us to gather around the altar today, means “thanksgiving.” By living with an attitude of thanksgiving, we give proof of our faith and our willingness to live appropriately as believers.