Catholic Commentary on Titus 3

"He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewing by the Holy Spirit." (Titus 3:5)

Heirs of Grace

Titus is to remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, always showing gentleness to everyone. At one time they too were foolish, deceived, enslaved by passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, he saved them, not because of righteous things they had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

This is one of the most compressed and complete statements of the theology of Baptism in the NT. The Catechism cites it as a foundational text: Baptism is the washing of rebirth, the renewal by the Holy Spirit, the justification by grace, and the entry into the inheritance of eternal life. All of this flows from the mercy of God, not from human works or worthiness (CCC 1215).

Avoid Divisions

This is a trustworthy saying: those who have trusted in God must be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, then twice, then have nothing to do with them. Such a person is warped and sinful; they are self-condemned. Paul closes with personal greetings and a final instruction: the people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives. Grace be with you all.

Living the Word

Brothers and sisters, he saved us through the washing of rebirth. Your Baptism was the day of your rebirth, the day the Holy Spirit was poured out on you generously, the day you became an heir of eternal life. This is not history. It is identity. You are a child born again by the Spirit, an heir of the God who poured out his Spirit generously on you. Live from that inheritance today.

Prayer

Lord God, you saved us not because of our righteous deeds but because of your mercy, through the washing of rebirth and the renewing of your Holy Spirit. We are heirs of eternal life through your grace. Let us devote ourselves to doing what is good, not to earn what is already given, but to bear fruit from what we have already received. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.