Monday, January 26, 2026

 

Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, Bishops

(II Timothy 1:1-8; Mark 3:22-30)

Today’s feast of Saints Timothy and Titus remembers two of St. Paul’s most trusted collaborators.  Timothy accompanied Paul on several missionary journeys and represented Paul in different situations.  Paul probably ordained him the first bishop of Ephesus in the ceremony recalled in today’s first reading.  Titus accompanied Paul to the “Council of Jerusalem.”  There his Gentile upbringing probably lent credibility to Paul’s claim that Gentiles too could serve the Lord.   He became bishop of Crete.

The feast of these two saints provides opportunity to reflect on the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity which ended yesterday.  Every year from January 18 through January 25, the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, members of Christian churches pray together so that, in Jesus’ words, “… all may be one” (John 17:21).

Progress towards Christian unity has been slow.  Certainly, there is less hostility among the different communities of faith than a century ago.  However, some of the churches have introduced changes that seem to make union with the Catholic Church virtually impossible.  Perhaps unity will emerge rapidly after some unanticipated crisis.  However it comes about, there are glimpses of it in the fellowship and prayer during the week of unity.

Friday, January 26, 2024

Memorial of St. Timothy and St. Titus, bishops

(II Timothy 1:1-8; Mark 4:6-34)

St. Timothy and St. Titus accompanied St. Paul on various parts of his missionary journeys.  They served as his assistants with tasks like carrying his letters and evaluating the needs of the communities Paul founded.  Eventually both came to lead Christian communities that were associated with Paul.  Timothy became what might be called “bishop of Ephesus” and Titus, “bishop of Crete.”

Today’s first reading emphasizes the continual reliance of Church leaders on faith.  They may be so preoccupied in giving commands that their relation with the Lord wanes.  On the other hand, they may become discouraged when few people express interest in their teaching.  If their faith falters, leaders cannot bring others to truly know the Lord.  As Paul writes, leaders are to stir up the faith that is within them by constant meditation and prayer.  Doing so, they will more ably assist their people on the road to eternal life.

Most of us have leadership responsibilities for which our faith serves well.  Parents, of course, have the physical and spiritual welfare of their children as a primary obligation.  On the job we want to convey confidence and concern to co-workers so that common objectives may be met.  Among friends we give tender care so that they may live with integrity and peace.

 

Thursday, January 26, 2023

 Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, bishops

(II Timothy 1:1-8; Mark 4:21-25)

Recently deceased Australian cardinal George Pell took to heart St. Paul’s famous advice to Timothy.  Paul tried to encourage his disciple and protégé Timothy to find courage to deal with his problems.  Evidently, as Timothy’s teaching authority was being challenged, he was unsure how to defend himself.  “Stir into flame the gift of God,” Paul tells Timothy.  That is, he wants Timothy to trust in the Holy Spirit’s gifts of fortitude and wisdom.

Cardinal Pell died suddenly two weeks ago as the result of a common surgery.  He had returned to Rome after spending over a year in prison in a Australian miscarriage of justice.  Cardinal Pell used the time as a long retreat in which he wrote extended an extended memoir.  That reflection attests to his courage in facing setbacks.  It also encourages others to profess the truth of Christ in a world often antagonistic to him.

All of us – priests, religious, and lay people – should prepare ourselves to defend the truth of Christ.  Often we are inclined to silence when others belittle Christ’s teachings propagated by the Church.  Be it opposition to divorce on demand or the prospect of eternal life, we want to be both clear and kind about what we know to be true.

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

 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. 

Friday, January 26, 2018

Memorial of St. Timothy and St. Titus, bishops

(II Timothy 1:1-8; Mark 4:6-34)

St. Timothy and St. Titus accompanied St. Paul in various parts of his missionary journeys.  They served as his assistants with tasks like carrying his letters and evaluating the needs of the communities Paul founded.  Eventually both came to lead Christian communities that were associated with Paul.  Timothy became what might be called “bishop of Ephesus” and Titus, “bishop of Crete.”

Today’s first reading emphasizes the continual reliance of Church leaders on faith.  They may be so preoccupied in giving commands that their relation with the Lord wanes.  On the other hand, they may become discouraged when few people express interest in their teaching or prayer.  If their faith falters, leaders cannot bring others to truly know the Lord.  As Paul writes, leaders are to stir up the faith that is within them by constant meditation and prayer.  Doing so, they will more ably assist their people to eternal life.

Most of us have leadership responsibilities for which our faith serves well.  Parents, of course, have the physical and spiritual welfare of their children as a primary obligation.  On the job we want to convey confidence and concern to co-workers so that common objectives may be met.  Among friends we give tender care so that they may live with integrity.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Memorial of St. Timothy and St. Titus, bishops

(II Timothy 1:1-8; Mark 3:22-30)

The Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus follows on the heel of the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul because the two men assisted Paul in his missionary efforts. Timothy accompanied Paul on part of his so-called second missionary journey and stayed with him in Corinth. Later Paul places Timothy’s name with his own as the authors of the Second Letter to the Corinthians. This same letter speaks of Titus as Paul’s emissary who brought a lost letter to the Corinthians after they evidently reacted to Paul’s scolding in First Corinthians. In Second Corinthians Paul calls Titus, “my partner and co-worker with you.”

A few facts about Timothy and Titus can be gleaned from the New Testament. Timothy was the son of a Greek father and Jewish mother. Paul permitted him to be circumcised because of his Jewish heritage. On the other hand, Paul insisted that Titus not be circumcised because he was of completely Gentile origins. More significant than their personal stories is what the references to the two men in the New Testament reveal about Paul. They indicate that he was hardly a one-person show. Indeed, it seems that in part his ability to collaborate made his evangelizing efforts successful. He also felt great affection for his associates and was magnanimous enough to mention them as contributors to his writing.

It may seem self-evident that ultimately there are no Christians without a church community, but some do speak and act as if they have both personal and private relationships with the Lord. Yet there is always need for other people to pray with, to support our faith, and to assist our apostolic efforts. This was true of the archetypal missionary, Paul of Tarsus, and it remains so today.

Homilette for Monday, January 26, 2009

Memorial of St. Timothy and St. Titus, bishops

(II Timothy 1:1-8; Mark 3:22-30)

The Memorial of Sts. Timothy and Titus follows at the heel of the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul because the two men assisted Paul in his missionary efforts. Timothy accompanied Paul on part of his so-called second missionary journey. During that mission he stayed with Paul in Corinth, and later Paul puts his name with his own as the authors of the Second Letter to the Corinthians. This letter speaks of Titus as Paul’s emissary who brought a lost letter to the Corinthians after they evidently reacted to Paul’s scolding in the First Letter to the Corinthians. In Second Corinthians Paul calls Titus, “my partner and co-worker with you.”

A few facts about Timothy and Titus can be gleaned from the New Testament. Timothy was the son of a Greek father and Jewish mother. Paul permitted him to be circumcised because of his Jewish heritage. On the other hand, Paul insisted that Titus not be circumcised because he was of completely Gentile origins. More important than revealing their personal stories, the presence of the two men in the Scripture tell us about Paul. The apostle to the Gentiles was hardly a one-person show. It was in part his ability to collaborate that made his evangelizing efforts so successful. He also felt great affection for his associates and was honest enough to publicize their contributions to his work.

It may seem self-evident that there are no Christians without a church community, but some do speak and act as if they have private tête-à-têtes with Christ. There is always need for other people to pray with, to support our faith, and to assist our apostolic efforts. This was true of the archetypal missionary, Paul of Tarsus, and it remains the case today.