Memorial of Saint Timothy and Saint Titus, bishops
(II Timothy
1:1-8; Mark 3:22-30)
St. Paul
worked incessantly for the gospel. But
he also counted on assistance of collaborators.
The saints whom the Church commemorates today helped Paul as both
companions and ambassadors. St. Timothy
accompanied Paul the second time the apostle set forth from Antioch to
evangelize. Paul sent him to
Thessalonica where Christian converts were being persecuted. Paul wrote Timothy two letters intimating a
father-son relationship although their authenticity is questioned. It is said that Timothy was martyred in
Ephesus.
Titus too
traveled with and for Paul. He was sent
to Corinth to find out how Paul’s letter to the community there was
received. Later Paul ordained Titus as
bishop of Crete. Titus serves as an
example of Paul’s regard for Judaism.
Because he was not born a Jew, Paul did not want him circumcised since
that would imply need of the law for salvation. It is said that Titus died of natural causes
at an old age.
These two
saints mostly magnify the greatness of Paul.
No doubt for that reason they are celebrated the day after the feast of
Paul’s conversion. They also show us
that humble service of a great cause is itself worthy of praise.
No comments:
Post a Comment