In a science exam, students were asked to list the characteristics of a human being. Some of them thought it was a joke because they were expecting difficult questions, so they decided to answer the question with additional explanations. Only a few listed answers without explanations. When the results came in, those who only listed answers passed the test, but those who gave some additional details did not. So they confronted the teacher to find out why they failed when they gave more answers. The teacher replied to them, “understanding the question is part of the question. Sometimes our answers are hidden in simple facts. “
Living a Simple Life
When St Paul admonished Titus in today’s first reading about the qualities of those who are to be chosen as elders, he emphasized that the focus must be on living a simple life. That the one to be chosen must have impeccable character and self-control. He must be a man of faith and a friend of all that is good. The integrity of life that St Paul emphasized is not a burden for anyone who has chosen to follow Christ in all sincerity. This is because we are not called to serve for personal gain, but for the ultimate gain that benefits all. Therefore, the person chosen must have knowledge of faith and tradition in order to understand the ultimate purpose of the content of the faith we profess.
The Mustard Seed
Jesus in the Gospel demonstrated this with the example of the mustard seed – the observation that the expression of faith is the seemingly simplest actions that we may neglect. The little gestures matter. And when we start with these simple acts of kindness, honesty, sincerity, and humility, we will ascend the mountain of the Lord and be qualified to be among the elect. For the kingdom of God is not about eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom 14:17). And when we seek this kingdom and its righteousness, all other things will be added onto it (Mt6,33).
