Readings:
Titus: 2:1-8,11
Luke 17:7-10
Reflection:
In this letter from Paul to Titus we are reminded that there are things we need to attend to, and these occur in our everyday lives. The community is best served when we reach out and be a good example and witness to Jesus. This means being aware of how we act and behave with and around others.
In the gospel from Luke things are taken to another level. If anything, Passionist Family Groups have taught me is that our work is an ongoing action of leadership and service. It is a vision of being like an extended family offering encouragement, support, fellowship, acceptance, compassion, laughter, and fun.
All too often we forget that church is about ‘community’ it’s not about me and my private devotion. Rather, it is an opening to the way God through his spirit moves among us and we are called to get to the starting line in terms of being willing to make life easier and lighter for others. It is not about rewards it is about in simple terms being Jesus to each other.
As Mary McKillop said, “never see a need without doing something about it.” There is no ‘Gold Card’ in the gospel, we are all called, to live in the service of others there is ‘no’ age limit. Life has its struggles, difficulties, and challenges. We need each other to live and love. We seek to understand the how and this comes from contemplation on the Passion and its place in our hearts and the hearts of others. Go out and make disciples through service.
“The passion of Jesus is a sea of sorrows, but it also an ocean of love. Ask the Lord to teach you to fish in this ocean. Dive into its depth. No matter how deep you go, you will never reach the bottom.” (St Paul of the Cross)
Paul Traynor is married to Clare and has two children Sam and Lucy. He lives in Greytown which is in the Wairarapa Region on the North Island of New Zealand. Paul is currently working as the National Passionist Family Groups Coordinator for Aotearoa, New Zealand.