The Wisdom of Titus - December 20

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 61, 62; PM Psalm 112, 115; Zeph. 3:14-20; Titus 1:1-16; Luke 1:1-25

Honestly, I don’t spend much time reading the Epistle to Titus. I haven’t read it since this passage was quoted a few years ago after Bishop Kee announced his retirement and Saint Stephen’s hosted one of the listening sessions as together, we discerned our vision for the Diocese of Alabama.  In a room full of lay and ordained people, a clergy member read verses 9-11.  These are certainly good attributes for a bishop, who in our tradition is the unifier and the ultimate spiritual authority.

It is with this lens that I read the Scripture this morning, remembering that part of the church is to live in tension with conflict.  The epistle lays the groundwork for conflict acknowledging that it exists, one of the only constants in 1900 years of history since this Epistle was likely written.  I don’t think I would have paid attention to Titus as much today if we hadn’t heard Titus two years ago, but I am especially drawn to the first part of verse 15.  “To the pure all things are pure, but to the corrupt and unbelieving nothing is pure.”

This little line of scripture is a response to the conflict, specifically the people in Crete who stir up trouble in the church.  I am struck by the profound nature of this sentiment that to the corrupt and unbelieving, nothing is pure. I wish we would have kept reading at the listening session instead of stopping at verse 11!  It is almost an implication, that part of being pure, and maybe a better translation of pure, would be ‘Godly’ is to see goodness and possibility and hope in every situation.  It is to lead with hope before doubt, goodness before lack of it, and to be generous at our characterization of others at every turn. 

Part of being Godly is to see God in every situation, to see hope in every life, to begin with generosity.  Maybe Titus has some wisdom for the ages.  Start with a generous possibility for others. “To the pure, all things are pure,” because the alternative corrupts our view of everything else.    

Maybe this reading comes at the perfect time of the year just a few days before the gift of the Incarnation.  Because isn’t that what Christmas is really about? God, is here, and we have to be open to the idea that God is everywhere, in humble and human form.  And being Godly is being open to where God could show up – in literally everything.

John+

Questions for Self-Reflection: Consider your own gut reactions to conflict.   What are the barriers to generosity that keep you from seeing the best in others? How does trying to see the best come into conflict when people hold views or have actions that are problematic, destructive, or painful?  How can this be resolved?

Daily Challenge:  Think of three people who have frustrated you greatly in the last year.   Write or say something nice, kind, and generous about them.  If you are really up for it, actually write them a note, email, or card.