The Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus

2 Tim. 1:1-8, Lk. 10:1-9. Today we celebrate two followers and friends of Paul the Apostle, who were among the first Bishops of the Church, as the successors of the Apostles. In today's first reading, Paul encouraged Timothy to be faithful to God and spread the truth that he received through the laying on of hands by the Apostles. Timothy’s role in the Church sounds like that of a retired foreign missionary who later became guide or Bishop to the local Christians in Ephesus. He had the honour of being a fellow worker with Paul, sharing in the privilege of preaching the Gospel and suffering for it. Timothy’s father, whose name is not given, was a Greek and his mother was a Jewess named Eunice. As the son of a mixed marriage, he was considered Jewish, though he was not circumcised as a child. It was his grandmother, Lois, who first became Christian. During his years with Paul, he became one of his most trusted friends and was sent on difficult missions – often in the face of disturbance in local Churches which Paul had founded. When Paul installed him as leader for the Church of Ephesus, Timothy was comparatively young for this work. Thus, Paul encouraged him: “Let no one have contempt for your youth" (1 Tim 4:12).

Titus was also a loyal fellow worker, who features in the Pauline letters and in the Acts of the Apostles. Titus has the distinction of being a close friend and disciple of Paul as well as a fellow missionary. He was a Greek from Antioch, though a Gentile, Paul would not let him undergo forced circumcision at Jerusalem. The second letter to Corinth suggests the depth of his friendship with Titus and their partnership in the work of preaching the Gospel: “When I went to Troas…I had no relief in my spirit because I did not find my brother Titus...Even when we came into Macedonia we were afflicted in every way – external conflicts, internal fears. But God, who encourages the downcast, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus…” (2 Cor 2:12.13.7:5-6). Just as Paul needed associates to work with him, Jesus also needed associates to share in His work. In today's Gospel, Jesus appoints seventy-two and sends them out ahead of him. He asks them to pray to the Lord of the harvest for more workers. Thus, the Lord needs us; we are called to be His co-workers, proclaiming by our lives that, in the words of Jesus: “the kingdom of God is very near to you.” If the Lord needs us to share in His work, we, in turn, need each others' support, if we are to respond to that call of the Lord. As Paul needed Timothy and Titus and Jesus needed many workers, we need each others' witness if the gift that God gave us in Baptism is to be fanned into a living flame.

May the Lord help us to discern carefully our choice of actions in life and be inspirations for others! Amen!! Good morning and have a pleasant day!!!