2Timothy 1:1-8 or Titus 1:1-5; Psalm 95; Luke 10:1-9
Timothy and Titus were coworkers of St. Paul. Timothy was sent to Corinth, Philippi, and Thessalonica. Titus was sent to Corinth to assuage the tensions there and to collect money for the poor. He also worked in Crete and tradition has it that he served there for the rest of his life. These men caught the fire, exercised it and transmitted it. Using the words of today’s psalm we can say that ‘they proclaimed the wonders of the Lord among all the peoples’. Beloved, evangelization is never an easy task and so Jesus had to prepare the minds of the Seventy-two disciples before sending them out. In the same vein, in the first reading, Paul urged us to fan into a flame the gift of God we have received. Just as fire needs oxygen to burn, we need divine oxygen to keep the gift active. Beloved, the celebration of Timothy and Titus today serves as an encouragement. Winners never quit, and quitters never win. No matter the trials you face in the course of exercising your faith and work do not give up. Roy T. Bennett says “Never stop dreaming, never stop believing, never give up, never stop trying, and never stop learning.” If you don’t give up, you shall be celebrated.
Let us pray
God our Father, you gave your saints Timothy and Titus the courage and wisdom of the apostles: may their prayers help us to overcome trials, live holy lives and lead us to heaven, our true home. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
