Beloved: 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, so that they may train younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, chaste, good homemakers, under the control of their husbands, so that the word of God may not be discredited.
Urge the younger men, similarly, to control themselves, showing yourselas a model of good deeds in every respect, with integrity in your teaching, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be criticized, so that the opponent will be put to shame without anything bad to say about us.
For the grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of the great God and of our savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good.
REFLECTION
St. Leo the Great was a staunch defender of the faith during times when our Catholic Creed faced significant challenges. He diligently safeguarded doctrine, cared for his followers, and maintained peace both within and outside the Church.
He was unwavering in upholding the entirety of the faith. He clearly articulated that Jesus Christ possessed two natures: divine and human. He authored a letter that established the Church's official teaching on Jesus Christ as a single Person with both a human and divine nature, inseparable. This also affirmed the belief in Jesus' Incarnation through Mary and acknowledged the implications for those baptized into Jesus Christ.
Pope Leo the Great prevented Attila the Hun from invading Italy. He negotiated peace with the barbarians and protected the Church from the heresies of Pelagianism and Manichaeism, which threatened to mislead the faithful.
Leo the Great initiated charitable efforts to feed the hungry, assist refugees, and alleviate poverty in needy areas of Rome.
For the grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of the great God and of our savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good.
The grace of God truly appeared when St. Leo I became Pope. He was a champion of the Church in many ways. Therefore, in the Church's wisdom, we recognize St. Pope Leo as the Great and Doctor of the Church.
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