(d.c.96, 97) Two New Testament letters are addressed to Timothy and one to Titus. These men were disciples and missionary companions of Saint Paul as well as collaborators in building the early Church. Timothy was from Lystra, in Asia Minor, where Paul healed a crippled man (Acts 14:8-10). He was a respected member of the local Christian community, became a regular missionary companion of Paul, and, finally, was the first bishop of Ephesus. Titus was a Greek convert who, after traveling with Paul, became bishop of the island of Crete.
“The sources concerning Timothy and Titus highlight their readiness to take on various offices that also often consisted in representing Paul in circumstances far from easy. In a word, they teach us to serve the Gospel with generosity, realizing that this also entails a service to the Church herself” (Pope Benedict XVI, General Audience on December 13, 2006). How are you being of service to your fellowship?
“I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God…For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:6-7).
Reflection by Brad Farmer