Sts. Timothy and Titus
Timothy and Titus were frequent companions with St Paul. Even though St Timothy is mentioned nineteen time in scripture and St Titus is mentioned seven times, we know very little about these saints.
Paul knew Timothy’s grandmother and his mother, who both had great faith. The final time Paul was arrested he wrote a letter to inform Timothy that his fate would be the same as Paul’s. Timothy would be martyred. Titus would take the place of Timothy as bishop and would live to be ninety before he, too, was martyred. In the Bible we have the letters written to them by Paul.
To Timothy Paul wrote, do not be ashamed of your testimony to the Lord. Words we should all take to heart. We are to stir into flame our desire for the Lord. The gospel says you cannot hide a lamp under a bushel basket. To Titus Paul gives remarkable instruction. He is to appoint presbyters in every town. Titus, as a bishop, has the authority to appoint then priests as we would understand it in today’s terms.
From these letters we get an insight into the beginnings of the Church. I wonder if these men ever thought of the repercussions of their actions. How far reaching into the future that their testimony to God has changed the course of the world?
We should take a moment and consider the impact our actions and words have on other people. Even if only in our immediate family. What you do today could affect many generations in your family in the future. A hundred years from now, will one of your great-great-great-great grandchildren research who you were for a class project. What will be in their report?
Sts. Timothy and Titus, pray for us.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen