In the letter to Titus, we read a job description for the ideal bishop. The emphasis is on godliness, kindness, decency, humility, and care for people. It sounds a lot like the exhortations of Pope Francis! But these also describe what we should all aspire to. There is not one standard of holiness or goodness for those in authority and another for us. We are all called to the same life in Christ, and we will all be measured by the same standards. Holiness is not the luxury of a few, but the responsibility of all. For followers of Jesus, forgiveness is not an option but absolutely essential. To forgive someone over and over, as we are told, models the way that God treats us. When we refuse to forgive, our resentment and negativity sink deep, poisonous, roots into our heart and soul. We forgive in order to free ourselves and the other person, as well as to prepare the way for our own forgiveness. Jesus also insists that genuine, pure faith can move mountains and work miracles. Faith is absolute trust in the loving and caring power of God, nothing more and nothing less.