January 24 2022 (EF) - St. Timothy - Ecclesial Communion & Conviction for the Gospel

 In anticipation of the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul tomorrow, today we commemorate one of Paul’s dearest disciple and closest co-workers in the vineyard of the Lord: St. Timothy. Biologically, Timothy was the son of a jewish mother and a pagan father. St Paul, however, calls Timothy, my beloved child, devoted to him “like a son to his father.” Paul was directly instrumental in Timothy’s conversion.  

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 preaching against the orgiastic worship of the goddess Artemis in that city.

Paul wrote two letters to Timothy while he was Bishop of Ephesus. In the first letter, Paul offers Timothy personal encouragement and advice on how to administer the great responsibility of being a bishop, with all of its challenges: “Fight the good fight” as we heard today. 

In his second epistle Paul tells Timothy to be courageous in defending his flock from false teachers who were passing on doctrines which were not supported by the apostles. 

Paul gives us a glimpse into the vocation of bishop in the early church, a vocation remains the same today.  The bishop is a visible sign that we remain connected to the true Church of Christ, and he helps us to grow in fidelity and sanctity through his teaching and governance. This parish’s patron, the bishop, St. Ignatius of Antioch, writing early in the 2nd century enjoined priests and lay faithful to be in harmony with their bishop as strings to a harp.

In light of tomorrow’s major feast, the conversion of St. Paul, we consider how we like Timothy have received the Gospel due to the faithful preaching and teaching of the apostles. We in turn pray for our modern day apostles, the bishops that they may be courageous in stirring up the flame of faith and defending the Church from error. And also pray, that we, like Timothy, may be faithful in fighting our share of the good fight. Timothy trusted Paul, and willingly left father, mother, and his possessions, to labor for the Gospel in unknown lands. May we share that same conviction for the Gospel for the glory of God and salvation of souls.