The Grace of God Has Appeared, Bringing Salvation to All

This meditation is based on a passage for March 11, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Titus 2:1-15

Reflection and Question: Scholars are divided on whether it was Paul or another using the stature of his name who wrote this letter of counsel to a young evangelist in the early years of the church. He takes the hierarchy of the standard ancient household – patriarchs, elder women, young men and slaves – and basically gives them all the same advice. He tells them to be self-controlled. Self-control is commended as we wait for “the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Self-control is, for the most part, a virtue. How much do you value self-control and why?

Prayer: Blessed Jesus, we seek to be sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Then our lives will honor You, showing integrity and gravity. We shall be models of good works that testify to Your bringing salvation to all. May all this be so. Amen.