Timothy was Paul’s dearest disciple. St Paul calls him, his beloved child, devoted to him “like a son to his father.” Biologically, Timothy was the son of a jewish mother and a pagan father. Paul, however, was spiritual father, to Timothy: directly instrumental in Timothy’s conversion from paganism.
When Paul visited the city of Lystra, Timothy, about twenty years old, joined him and went on to assist Paul in the establishment of the major Christian communities. Timothy also stayed with Paul during his first Roman imprisonment. Timothy himself was later imprisoned for spreading the Gospel, and as bishop of Ephesus was martyred, clubbed to death by a mob for protesting against the orgiastic worship of the goddess Artemis.
Titus was also a close friend and disciple of Paul, also accompanying and assisting Paul in his missionary activity. Titus was with Paul at the Council of Jerusalem, and when Paul was having trouble with the community at Corinth because of community division, erroneous faith and rampant immorality, Paul sent Titus bearing his letter to the Corinthians, and Titus embraced them with the love of the true pastor’s heart. This was probably one reason, why Paul felt so assured at naming Titus bishop of Crete, which was also riddled with error. He too would be martyred—he was beheaded by his adversaries on Crete in AD 97.
“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few.” The dynamic between Paul and Timothy and Titus show us how the Lord often attracts laborers for the harvest. A devout Paul, dedicating his life to the Gospel, willing to suffer for it, begins to attract spiritual sons, who are willing to do the same.
Our task then is clear. To be like Paul for the Timothy’s and Titus’ of the next generation. To live the faith so admirably that it becomes attractive to Pagans and unbelievers. To suffer for it, to show the value of the Gospel in contrast to the empty promises of the world. Our job is not to save the planet, or our nation-state, or our economy, but to save souls, not to secure a comfortable place in the world, but to build up treasure in heaven. Sure, it’s no sin to go fishing every once in a while, but certainly never to the serious neglect of our duty to become fishers of men.
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That our bishops may be courageous in stirring up the flame of faith and defending the Church from error.
For an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life, that young people may live in faith-filled homes where the Gospel is cherished, studied, and lived-out.
For the grace to set good Christian example, and to courage to share the faith with non-believers and the lapsed.
For all of the sick and suffering, for the grace to unite their sufferings with Christ and to know His consolation and peace.
For our departed loved ones and all of the souls in purgatory, and for N. for whom this Mass is offered. We pray to the Lord.
Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord
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