Readings: Titus 2:1-8,11-14, Ps. 37:3-4,18,23,27,29, Luke 17:7-10
“Encourage the young women to love their husbands, their children, to be self-controlled, chaste, good managers of the household, kind, and submissive to their husbands, so that the word of God may not be discredited. Likewise, younger men should be encouraged to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects a model of good works.” (Titus 2:4-7)
To be self-controlled means saying “no” to the impulses of the flesh, no matter how strong the temptations may be. It means to act right no matter what one feels inside. Self-control or self-discipline is not something we acquire from the blues; it is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit; that is to say, self-control is one of the manifestations of the presence of the Holy Spirit in us. Hence, to be more self-controlled, we must pray constantly for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
In Paul’s letter to Titus, we see that self-control is not the exclusive reserve of the young or the old, nor is it gender-specific. Everyone, regardless of age or position in life, needs self-control. Without self-control, one cannot lead. As St. Paul says, “Show yourself in all respects a model of good deeds…” Jesus used a parable in our Gospel passage to emphasise that we should always see ourselves as humble servants. In essence, Jesus wants us to eliminate the “entitlement mentality.”
Even though the Bible contains many promises, our worship of God does not automatically give us a ticket to receive them. Yes, we must keep God’s commandments with all our heart, but at the end of the day, we can only say: “We are unworthy servants. Again, it takes self-control to say, “I don’t deserve anything; I am only a servant.
Hear what others have said about self-control. “You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” (Marcus Aurelius, Meditations). “Never respond to an angry person with a fiery comeback, even if he deserves it... Don't allow his anger to become your anger.” (Bohdi Sanders, Warrior Wisdom)
“If you conquer yourself, then you conquer the world” (Paulo Coelho, Aleph). “He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still.” (Lao Tzu). “Ultimately, the only power to which man should aspire is that which he exercises over himself.” (Elie Wiesel).
If you lack self-control, it is not because you are powerless but because you have decided to divert your power to the wrong things. Every human being is powerful. God would not give us any commandments if He knew we were powerless against our bodily passions. As Christ speaks in the Ninth Station of the Cross: “My body cannot move. And yet, my will is mine, and so is yours. My child, this one thing is certain: your body may be broken, but no force on earth and none in hell can take away your will. Your will is yours.”
St. Leo the Great, remembered as Pope Leo I, was the first pope to be called “the Great.” He hailed from a noble Roman family, likely of Tuscan origin, and served as a deacon under Pope Celestine I by 431. In 440, following the death of Pope Sixtus III, Leo was elected pope. His papacy was defined by his commitment and wisdom. He worked tirelessly to maintain the unity of the church, uphold the faith, and safeguard his people from invasions.
A significant part of his leadership involved fighting against heresies like Pelagianism, which denied original sin and the need for divine grace, and Manichaeism, which dismissed the inherent goodness of creation and the human body. Leo’s theological expertise was evident in a famous letter he wrote to clarify the nature of Jesus Christ, affirming both His humanity and divinity.
His sermons showed profound spirituality and a genuine connection to people’s concerns. Pope Leo I’s leadership, from defending orthodox beliefs to offering pastoral guidance, left a lasting impression on the Church. He died on 10 November 461 and was later declared a Doctor of the Church.
Let us pray: O God, who never allow the gates of hell to prevail against your Church, firmly founded on the apostolic rock, grant her, we pray, that through the intercession of Pope Saint Leo, she may stand firm in your truth and know the protection of lasting peace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Leo the Great, Pope, Doctor. Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Titus 2:1-8,11-14, Ps. 37:3-4,18,23,27,29, Luke 17:7-10)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu