Titus 1:1-9 / Luke 17:1-6
People who are given responsibilities have a heavy task on their shoulders. The least that is expected of them is to have honesty and integrity.
More so for parents, teachers, clerics and political leaders, they will have to practise what they preach and their words and actions will be observed and noted by the people around them.
Because those who are tasked with the teaching and formation of others, like those mentioned above, are certainly very influential, for better or for worse.
For this reason, we hear in the 1st reading that when St. Paul instructed Titus to appoint elders for the community, the one overriding criterion is that they should be of irreproachable character.
That is certainly a very tall order but certainly a necessary one especially when it comes to appointing elders and cleric in the Church.
Because they are to lead the community by word and by example. And that is certainly crucial when it comes to teaching and instructing others.
Yet, as we know, in every age the Church has seen heresies and schisms. And the warning that Jesus gave to those who caused obstacles to the faith is that it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone around his neck.
That is the punishment for those who would lead others astray, especially the simply and the little ones.
Let us remember to pray for parents, teachers, priests and political leaders that they will not only have honesty and integrity and be truthful.
May they also have the faith to know that they are accountable to the responsibilities that God has given them.