Homily: Jan 26 2017 - Sts. Timothy and Titus - "The work left undone"

Following the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul yesterday, today we commemorate two of Paul’s close co-workers in the vineyard of the Lord: Timothy and Titus.  St. Paul wrote to his coworkers in what are called the New Testament Pastoral letters. They are called “Pastoral” because Paul addresses the letters to Timothy and Titus who were pastors, who had pastoral oversight of their respective churches.

After accompanying Paul on a missionary journey, Paul named Timothy the first bishop of Ephesus. And Titus, who had been with Paul at the Council of Jerusalem, was given care of the Island church of Crete.

So Paul writes to Timothy and Titus to discuss their great task of pastoral oversight of their churches: their structural organization, their tasks of teaching governing and sanctifying, ensuring the teaching of authentic Christian doctrine, and exercising pastoral leadership with true love for their flock.

We read from Paul’s letter to Titus this morning, and how in Crete, Titus was to continue to go from town to town appointing presbyters, priests for the local churches. This was one of the tasks of the bishop going back to the 1st century, naming priests for particular parishes. As the letter progresses, Paul teaches Titus to be wary that teachers of false doctrine are not allowed in his diocese, and to admonish those who had fallen away; as bishop, he must encourage families to be faithful, and to teach young people to practice self-control; he was to instruct the people in what we would call today “faithful citizenship” that the faith guide their civic responsibilities, and to encourage the people in good works, what we would call today the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.

It's fascinating to think how the work of bishops and the work of priests are essentially the same as they were nearly 2000 years ago, and that we in diocese of Cleveland, pray now for the Pope to send us a bishop who will have the same characteristics and perform the same tasks as Paul outlined for Timothy.

As the letter said, Paul left Titus to continue the work in Crete which had been “left undone.” The work of the Lord is “left undone” in this place isn’t it. It continues in this place for all of us. Praying for and inspired by great leaders in the faith, may we be faithful to the work to which Christ has called each of us, setting good example and spreading the Gospel for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

 - - - - - - - -

For our Holy Father, Pope Francis, as he selects the next shepherd of our diocese;  for our Apostolic Administrator, Bishop Daniel Thomas, as he serves the pastoral needs of our diocese while we are in transition;  for Bishop Richard Lennon, as he adjusts to a new stage in his life and ministry; that the Holy Spirit will enlighten and empower all the leaders of our church with faith in the promises of Christ, hope for the years to come, and charity that knows no boundaries.  We pray.