SAINTS TIMOTHY AND TITUS, BISHOPS (MEMORIAL)

Bear your share of hardship for the Gospel with the strength that comes from God.

Today we celebrate the memorial of two faithful servants of the gospel: Sts. Timothy and Titus. Paul wrote affectionately about both men, and he seems to have relied heavily on them in his work of establishing the new Christian communities.

Timothy, born to a Gentile father and Jewish mother, accompanied Paul on many of his travels and became the first bishop of Ephesus. Titus came from a Gentile family and also traveled extensively with Paul. He joined Paul at the apostolic council in Jerusalem, where it was agreed that Gentiles would not need to follow the whole of the Mosaic law. Paul also sent Titus on the important mission of addressing the problems in the community at Corinth (Titus 1:4). Titus was later named bishop of Crete.

Paul, the tireless apostle, trusted these two spiritual sons of his to take on responsibilities that were arduous and sometimes complex. They seem to have been men of great skill who gave of themselves generously to the Lord.

How can we, like Timothy and Titus, respond generously to the Lord? In today’s first reading, Paul tells Timothy to “stir into flame the gift of God” (2 Timothy 1:6). When we take the time to recall how God has loved us, it stirs up our love for him. Then we want to return that love by serving him generously.

Paul also tells Timothy, “Bear your share of hardship . . . with the strength that comes from God” (2 Timothy 1:8). Rather than “grin and bear it,” God invites us to rely on him for the strength to endure the trials in our lives. So ask the Lord for grace today for the specific concern or battle that you are facing. Imagine him infusing you with everything you need to face it confidently.

Like Timothy and Titus, you have an important part to play in the Church. So recall God’s goodness and receive his strength today. That way, whatever God is asking of you, you’ll be equipped to respond generously.

“Thank you, Lord, for strengthening me and leading me in service to others and to the Church.”

2 Timothy 1:1-8
Psalm 96:1-3, 7-8, 10
Mark 4:26-34