Festival of St. Titus, Bishop and Confessor
Posted on January 26, 2023 by under
Scripture: Ephesians 3:1-12 (NKJV)
3:1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles—2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, 3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, 4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), 5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: 6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, 7 of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.
8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; 10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.
Devotion
St. Paul went from being a hostile enemy of the true Church to a great servant of Christ, devoting himself to spreading God’s gracious blessings to as many people as possible, even to the point of humble suffering and imprisonment! He glorified Jesus Christ and the Gospel of His forgiveness, and he taught others to do likewise, as we see with St. Titus (whom we remember today on his festival).
The readings this week have had a theme of faithful humility and service. False teachers continue to act in vain ways, justifying themselves and teaching others to follow their example. But the Word of God manifests Himself in kindness, self-sacrificing humility, and service, and He continues to teach His faithful saints to do likewise.
God’s people are called on to manifest His will and powers. The faithful saints are to be a witness according to our various vocations so that even sinners in high and powerful positions in the world are taught to seek God’s kingdom and righteousness. Not every saint is an apostle, prophet, or pastor and teacher, but we are all called to serve in our proper vocations according to the Lord’s Word and example. His holy purposes are given to us, and His Holy Ghost enlightens us so that we understand what truly makes for good order and righteous service. The world continues to hate and plot and manipulate, but Christ’s saints are sent with His power to bring His saving Gospel through sincere love and mercy!
Prayer: O God, who didst adorn St. Titus with apostolic virtues, increase in us a spirit directed to a life of duty and justice which is the fruit of a faith that trusts in our Savior, Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Collect for the Third Sunday after Epiphany
Almighty and Everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities, and in all our dangers and necessities, stretch forth the right hand of Thy Majesty, to help and defend us; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
