Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, Bishops
Saint Timothy and Saint Titus - Ignite the Charism
They both belong to the first generation of bishops who were disciples of the apostles. They were the first helpers of St. Paul in the work of evangelization. Paul baptized them, then laid his hands on them and ordained them bishops of the Christian communities which he founded. Timothy and Titus can serve as examples for us to be zealous in preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Timothy was a young bishop of Ephesus. The Greek name Timothy means "one who honors God". He collaborated with St. Paul with the work of proclaiming the Word, ensured the unity of the Christian community entrusted to him in Ephesus. In the Second Letter of St. Paul to Timothy (1: 8), the Apostle encourages Timothy to rekindle the charism of God that he has received through the laying of his hands on him: "For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God." Charism is simply a free gift given to another, in order to serve in the spirit of Christ, so without publicity, without worldly talk, in justice, love and peace, caring for the purity of the heart.
The Letters of St. Paul to Timothy are an encouragement to take the trouble of proclaiming the Word of God, proclaiming Jesus Christ. The apostle of the nation’s encourages Timothy to be good to all: he should teach the hostile people with meekness, because perhaps God will one day convert them to know the truth.
Today we are also in danger of getting used to God only superficially, but in the sacrament of Holy Baptism, God placed the grace to be a chosen one into our hands.
In his epistle addresses Timothy, Saint Paul is using the expression: "my child." By baptizing him, the Apostle spiritually "begotten" him to "new life". In the midst of the many trials which they both faced, they later maintained "brotherly fidelity" among themselves. Today let us think about our witness to Jesus. Do we care for the unity of faith in our family, parish community, in our homeland? Do we wish to renew the grace of Baptism which we received in childhood?
- When I turn to God the Father, consciously praying the Our Father, do am IHis beloved child? Then I renew my Christian consciousness when I realize that God calls me by name every day and surrounds me with infinite Love.
- Whenever I make choices according to Jesus Christ in my daily situations, do I remember that I was saved by Him from the bondage of sin? Do I choose according to the evangelical spirit?
- When I experience ecclesial communion, let us remember that " For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body " (1 Cor 12:13). This brotherhood in Christ is stronger than cultural and national ties. God himself creates and strengthens this bond of love.
It was this fraternal bond of love between St. Paul with Timothy and Titus. Despite their distance, they were one thanks to Jesus' love that the Holy Spirit poured into their hearts.
Titus was of Greek origin. Together with St. Paul attended the first council in Jerusalem. In the Letter addressed to him, Paul describes him as " my true child in our common faith" (Titus 1: 4). It was Titus who was the peacemaker in the conflict between the Apostle and the Corinthian community (cf. 2 Cor 7: 6-7.13). Titus was also a bishop in Crete (cf. Tit 1: 5).
So, we see that St. Paul in the work of evangelization, was assisted by generous and very dedicated collaborators, without whom the Gospel could not reach the ends of the world. Today let us ask the holy Bishops, Timothy and Titus, that wherever we are, let us work in the service of the Gospel, daily renewing our awareness of the gift of Holy Baptism and bearing fruit in it.
Please remember
If the Church is not a witness and servant of the Word, she is unnecessary. All charitable, educational and cultural activities, the presence of the Church in the media are pointless if the Church were not a servant and witness of the Word. I wish that every time when we see that our brother, no matter where the brother is standing, what clothes he wearsand what functions he has, if he is not a witness and servant of the Word we must tell him - I am worried about this because it isweakening the Church. But I strongly believe that more often we will be able to say - thank you because you build my faith with your testimony and your service to the Word.
Until Tomorrow
fr. george