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Memorial of Saint Leo the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church

Reading 1 : Titus 2:1-8, 11-14

Beloved:
You must say what is consistent with sound doctrine,
namely, that older men should be temperate, dignified,
self-controlled, sound in faith, love, and endurance.
Similarly, older women should be reverent in their behavior,
not slanderers, not addicted to drink,
teaching what is good, so that they may train younger women
to love their husbands and children,
to be self-controlled, chaste, good homemakers,
under the control of their husbands,
so that the word of God may not be discredited.

Urge the younger men, similarly, to control themselves,
showing yourself as a model of good deeds in every respect,
with integrity in your teaching, dignity, and sound speech
that cannot be criticized,
so that the opponent will be put to shame
without anything bad to say about us.

For the grace of God has appeared, saving all
and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires
and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age,
as we await the blessed hope,
the appearance of the glory of the great God
and of our savior Jesus Christ,
who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness
and to cleanse for himself a people as his own,
eager to do what is good.

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 37:3-4, 18 and 23, 27 and 29

R. (39a) The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.
Trust in the LORD and do good,
that you may dwell in the land and be fed in security.
Take delight in the LORD,
and he will grant you your heart’s requests.
R. The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.
The LORD watches over the lives of the wholehearted;
their inheritance lasts forever.
By the LORD are the steps of a man made firm,
and he approves his way.
R. The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.
Turn from evil and do good,
that you may abide forever;
The just shall possess the land
and dwell in it forever.
R. The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.

Alleluia : John 14:23

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Whoever loves me will keep my word,
and my Father will love him,
and we will come to him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia..

Gospel : Luke 17:7-10

Jesus said to the Apostles:
“Who among you would say to your servant
who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field,
‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’?
Would he not rather say to him,
‘Prepare something for me to eat.
Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink.
You may eat and drink when I am finished’?
Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded?
So should it be with you.
When you have done all you have been commanded, say,
‘We are unprofitable servants;
we have done what we were obliged to do.’”

Message from the Readings

Today’s readings proclaim a powerful truth:
Holiness is formed through humility, integrity, and faithful service — not applause, status, or recognition.
• Titus calls the community to live with dignity and self‑control.
• The psalm reminds us that God secures the steps of the just.
• Jesus teaches that true disciples serve without seeking reward.
• Saint Leo the Great embodied this spirit — defending the faith, guiding the Church, and serving with courage and humility.
The message is clear: A faithful Christian serves God because of love, not because of praise.

 Reflection for the Day

1. “Say what is consistent with sound doctrine.” (Titus 2)
   Paul’s instructions are practical, pastoral, and deeply relevant.
   He calls every generation — older men, older women, younger women, younger men — to live with:
   • self‑control,
   • reverence,
   • integrity,
   • sound speech,
   • love,
   • endurance.
   This is not moral perfectionism. It is spiritual maturity.
   Paul reminds us that grace trains us — to reject worldly desires, to live justly, to walk devoutly, to await Christ with hope.
   Holiness is not accidental. It is formed through daily choices shaped by grace.
2. “Take delight in the Lord.” (Psalm 37)
   The psalm offers a gentle but powerful invitation:
   Trust God. Do good. Turn from evil. Delight in Him.
   When we delight in God, our desires begin to align with His. Our steps become firm. Our hearts become steady. Our lives become rooted in His faithfulness.
   This is the path of the just — a life watched over, guided, and secured by God.
3. “We are unprofitable servants.” (Luke 17)
   Jesus’ teaching is challenging — but liberating.
   He reminds His disciples that serving God is not a transaction. It is not a performance. It is not a path to human praise.
   We serve because:
   • God is worthy,
   • love compels us,
   • humility shapes us,
   • obedience strengthens us.
   This humility frees us from pride, comparison, and entitlement.
   Saint Leo the Great lived this truth. He defended the Church against heresy, protected Rome from invasion, and preached Christ with clarity and courage — not for recognition, but for love of God and His people.

 Living This Word Today

Today’s readings invite us to three movements:

1. Live with integrity and self‑control.
   Let grace shape your daily choices.
2. Delight in the Lord.
   Root your joy in His presence, not in circumstances.
3. Serve with humility.
   Offer your life to God without seeking praise or reward.
   Let today be a day of humble service, steady trust, and grace‑formed living.

 Prayer for Today

Lord Jesus, teach me to serve You with humility, to live with integrity, and to delight in Your presence.
Shape my heart through Your grace, strengthen my steps through Your Word, and help me walk faithfully without seeking recognition or reward.
May I follow the example of Saint Leo the Great and serve Your Church with courage, love, and truth.
Amen.