January 26, 2015

Timothy and Titus

January 26, 2015:  SS. Timothy and Titus, Bishops


  • 'Kneeling person' tie bar:  I remember you constantly in my prayers (1st reading)
  • 'Eyeball' tie pin:  I yearn to see you again (1st reading)
  • 'Silverware' tie bar, 'Hand' tie pin:  Stir into flame the gift of God you have through imposition of hands (1st reading)
  • 'Girl with heart' pin:  God gave us a spirit of power, love, and self-control (1st reading)
  • 'Abacus' tie pin:  A 'divided' kingdom can't stand [abaci can divide] (gospel)
  • White shirt:  color for SS. Timothy and Titus
Listen
Paul reminds Timothy his faith came through his mother and grandmother.  It's one thing to pass on the faith, and another to teach matters of faith.  Faith is a gift; you can't get it from study alone.  It passes from generation to generation, through the beautiful work of mothers, grandmothers, and women who play those roles.  Faith comes to us through women, as Jesus came to us through Mary.
Remember your duty to guard and transmit faith.  We've all received faith; we need to nurture it and live it to keep it strong.  If we let it weaken, it becomes just a culture or gnosis.  Timidity goes against faith; it doesn't let faith grow.  Faith is a spirit of power, love, and prudence; don't let shame cover it up.  Look for ways to carry it forward.  Lord, give us sincere, non-negotiable, fruitful faith we revive daily with the Spirit's help.
Read
    Fan into a flame...
    (animate)
  • 2 Tm 1:1-8  Paul, Apostle of Christ Jesus, to Timothy, my dear child:  I worship God with a clear conscience and pray for you constantly, recalling your faith.  Stir into flame your gift from God.  God gave us a spirit of power, love, and self-control.  Don't be ashamed of your testimony or of me, but bear your hardships with God-given strength.
  • Ti 1:1-5  Paul, Apostle of Jesus Christ for the sake of faith, truth, and eternal life, to Titus, my child in faith:  grace and peace from God and Christ.  I left you so you might set things right and appoint presbyters...
  • Ps 96:1-3, 7-8a, 10  "Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations."  Sing to the Lord.  Tell the nations the Lord is king; me made the world and governs with equity.
  • Mk 3:22-30  Scribes:  “Jesus is possessed; he drives out demons by the prince of demons.” Jesus:  “A divided kingdom or house can't stand, nor can Satan if he's divided.  To plunder a strong man's house, you have to tie him up first.  All sins will be forgiven, but whoever blasphemes against the Spirit won't have forgiveness...
Reflect

    • Creighton:   Paul’s letter to Timothy, written from prison, is between dear devoted friends, committed to Jesus, who journeyed together.  He recalls common events and shared attitudes and gives encouragement.  Good News:  We are family, a faith community, united and strong in love.
    • One Bread One Body:  "Believing is seeing":  When you share, you double your own insights.  To understand and share the good news, we need to live it.  Believing, living, and sharing is seeing.
    • Passionist:  Imagine Bishop Timothy's joy receiving a letter from his friend Paul....
    • DailyScripture.net:  Kingdoms are established by the fidelity and obedience of subjects.  Houses are established when those in them agree.  Satan doesn't fight with himself or rebuke his servants.  [St. Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on Luke, Homily 80]
    Jesus' authority to cast out demons demonstrates the reign of God.  Unless we're clothed in God's strength, Satan can overtake us; he can rob us of our faith and discipleship if we listen to his lies and give in.  If we disobey God, we open the door to the power of sin and Satan.  To be free, our 'house' must be occupied and ruled by Christ where he is enthroned as Lord and Savior....
    • Universalis:  Paul converted Timothy and Titus; they became his companions and helpers.  Paul entrusted the Ephesus Christians to Timothy and the Crete Christians to Titus.  His "pastoral epistles" have advice for Timothy, Titus, and us.
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