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...
Somewhere in the last century orthodox transmogrified from a word about Eastern Catholic Churches and became a fighting word. Just about anyone with religious convictions will insist their opinions are orthodox, a Greek-based word meaning right (ortho) and teaching (doxa). However, doxa may also mean glory, as in doxology.
In any case, what impresses non-believers is not our orthodox opinions and loud declamations about them, but our orthopraxy -- our right practice.
And that is what Saint Paul reminds his disciple Titus about. Old men should be temperate, dignified, etc; and old women should also behave reverently. Their seniority is not a license to act like whining, puling children. Rather, their manner should model the courage, patience, and generosity that younger people can first admire, and then emulate. Their respect for everyone from the least to the greatest reminds snobs and would-be snobs that their pretensions only burden the community.
Several years ago, I served as a chaplain at the University of Minnesota Hospital, which was very near the university campus. I often saw attractive young women hurrying to their classes. However, perhaps because I'd recently buried my grandmother, they often appeared to me as the grandmothers they would become. They weren't girls anymore, which is how I'd seen them when I went to school. Perhaps, as a fellow turning fifty at the time, I was beginning to act and think my age.
"What is consistent with sound doctrine" is regarding every man, woman, and child as a reflection of God's dignity, integrity, and freedom. Like me, they were saved by the passion, death, and resurrection of the Lord. We do not sexualize people; no one is given to us for our pleasure or usefulness. Nor are they nuisances to be overcome.
What is more important in every conversation is not the information we must convey or receive, or the decisions we should make, but the integrity of that person. Here is a child of God! How beautiful! How delightful and admirable in God's sight! No one can imagine the worries, sorrows, or satisfaction of every individual we see in our office buildings or shopping malls. But everyone has a story to tell, and might tell if we're willing to listen. It might even concern the wonders God has done!
Today's first reading charges senior citizens with the responsibility of inspiring the whole church with their orthopraxy. We're still needed here!
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.