Today is the memorial feast of Saints Timothy and Titus (Bishops), disciples and assistants of the Apostle Paul. Timothy had charge of the Church at Ephesus and Titus of the Church in Crete. Paul’s letters written to them are called the pastoral epistles. These letters contain excellent admonitions for the instruction of faith for pastors and laity. They are an invitation to Christian faith for all.
In the Office of Readings on the occasion of this feast, St John Chrysostom comments on St Paul’s laudable apostolic life that becomes a pathway for all followers of Christ when he said: “I have fought the good fight”. St John Chrysostom says: “I urge you not simply to admire but also to imitate this splendid example of virtue, for if we do, we can share his crown as well… if you have Paul’s merits, you will share that same reward. St Paul said: I have fought the good fight, I have run the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth a crown of justice awaits me and the Lord, who is a just judge, will give it to me on that day and not to me alone, but to those who desire his coming.” He continues, “Now, since the same crown of glory is offered to all, let us eagerly strive to become worthy of these promised blessings”
Briefly I just want to present you our scriptures readings of today. St Paul reminds Timothy to “rekindle the gift of God that is within him through the laying on of hands, for God did not give us the Spirit of cowardice, but rather a Spirit of power of love and of self-discipline.” In the same manner, St Paul reminds Titus to be “loyal in faith and supervise the work of the Church by teaching the various groups of the Church, to live a life worthy of their call.” The Gospel speaks about the sending of the seventy disciples to every town and place and proclaiming the Good News of “peace and that the kingdom of God has come near”.Let us all be faithful to our Christian vocation by being and doing God’s Will in our life.