HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 32ND WEEK IN THE ORDINARY TIME, YEAR II/Leadership qualities

Homily for Monday of the 32nd week in the Ordinary Time, year II

Titus 1:1-9; Luke 17:1-6.

Theme:  Leadership qualities 

It is commonly said: "The supreme quality of a leader is unquestionably integrity. Without it no real success is attainable... He must know the way, go the way, and shows the way".

The First Reading starts from the Letter of St. Paul to one of his young disciples, Titus. As an elder, St. Paul chastises him on how to designate elders (bishop) in every town as he (Paul) was directing him. A bishop according to Paul must be "God's steward, blameless, not arrogant or quick-tempered or violent or greedy for gain, must be hospitable, a lover of goodness, master of himself, upright, holy and self-controlled" (Tit.1:7-8).

These are qualities demanded from every Christian also especially those in positions of authority like Bishops, priests, deacons, religious brothers and sisters, and even catechists. It is in exhibiting a high moral standard that we won't be sources of scandal to those placed under our care.

Jesus in today's Gospel first spoke on the implication of his disciples and us being a source of scandal to others. He said, "Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to him by whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were being hung round his neck and he were cast into the sea, than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin" (Luke 17:1-2). We must do all in our power not to cause another person to fall into sin through our scandalous behavior. Our actions may seem personal but they are eventually not so. Everything we do, good or bad affects others. We must be careful and watch our actions. Jesus also admonished us to rebuke a sinful brother/sister. We don't have a choice but to correct anyone doing evil by speaking up. Lastly, we must always forgive no matter how many times we are offended. Once an offender wrongs us and repents, we must forgive him/her.

May God grant us the grace to be watchful of our actions and words so as not to use them to scandalize others especially the young ones through Christ our Lord. Amen.