It is 7th November 2016. The readings are from the letter of St. Paul to Titus 1:1-9; and the Gospel from Luke 17:1-6. In the first reading St. Paul instructs Titus to choose the elders with the specific character which suits to serve God’s Church. Titus was the most trusted co-worker of Paul in his missionary works. Paul has appointed the elders in various churches. In today’s passage, St. Paul teaches the expected qualifications for a strong spiritual leader. Life style and character matters for a leader. The most important character is to preach the Word of powerfully as he/she lives it deeply. The elder must be a role model to one’s family and to the community, to be a witness to the truth, hospitable, friendly, good, sensible, moral, devoted, self-controlled, self-disciplined, not engaging in divisive spirit on the basis of tribal and racial grounds, not being arrogant and hot-tempered, not being a drunkard, not to be a lover of money, and respectful and respected by the rest of the community. (Tit. 1:5-9). Indeed, all of us as parents, teachers, seniors, mentors and leaders are called to be the representative of God with the qualities proposed by St. Paul. The responsorial Psalm prays, “Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.” (Ps.24:6). The Gospel speaks about scandal, forgiveness and faith. We are invited by the Lord to be the influence for good. Through our life style, others might grow, uplifted and inspired always. We must always avoid to be an obstacle to someone to reach Good and God. Our faith in the Lord has to give us the courage to forgive others, when people say sorry to us. We must never hold grudge against any person after they said sorry for what they have done or said against us. Everything is possible for the one who has faith. Faith is indeed the gift from Christ. We have not prayed enough to increase our faith. God is awaiting to hear such prayers for the increase of faith in Jesus. We will become a stepping stone for someone to reach the Lord when we have the unshakable faith. May God bless you.