Paul left Titus behind in Crete to minister to the Cretans. However, "Cretans have ever been liars, beasts, and lazy gluttons" (Ti 1:12). Paul probably didn't get too many resumes from candidates looking to get the job in Crete. Titus accepted the grace and faithfully established the foundations of the Church in Crete.
After Jesus set a Gerasene man free from a legion of demons, He did not allow the man to accompany Him (Mk 5:18ff). Instead, Jesus sent him back to witness to his family. "At that the man went off and began to proclaim throughout the Ten Cities" – above and beyond what Jesus asked of him – "what Jesus had done for him. They were all amazed at what they heard" (Mk 5:20).
Jesus refused Peter's request to remain atop the Mount of Transfiguration amidst the scene of His glory (Mt 17:4ff). Instead, Peter had to keep quiet about this wonderful experience (Mk 9:9) and return to failure and rebuke down in the valley (Mk 9:18-19). By the Holy Spirit, Peter persevered and soon led three thousand people to Jesus in one day (Acts 2:41).
Jesus may plant us in a sprawling weed patch (Mt 13:30). He often calls us to stay put (1 Tm 1:3) and "walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Cor 5:7). "Do whatever [Jesus] tells you" (Jn 2:5). Remember that, in Jesus, "you are the light of the world" (Mt 5:14). Because of you, may the weeds one day testify: "A people living in darkness has seen a great light. On those who inhabit a land overshadowed by death, light has arisen" (Mt 4:16).
| PRAYER: | "To do Your will, O my God, is my delight" (Ps 40:9). |
| PROMISE: | "If he sins against you seven times a day, and seven times a day turns back to you saying: 'I am sorry,' forgive him." –Lk 17:4 |
| PRAISE: | Pope St. Leo preached life-changing sermons and called many to holiness. His sermons are still read today by the Church in the Liturgy of the Hours. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College