THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Wednesday of the third week in Ordinary time, 2021

2Tim1:1-8 or Tit 1:1-5

Ps 96

Mark 4:1-20

Memorial of Sts Timothy and Titus, Bishops

“I am reminded of your sincere faith…”

Dear friends in Christ, yesterday we celebrated the conversion of St Paul, today we turn to two of his closest co-workers, Timothy and Titus. The two had worked tirelessly with Paul in his missionary efforts. Timothy’s Mother, was Jewess and his father, a Greek (Acts 16:1). They were from Lystra and were of strong faith, a gift they passed on to Timothy. Titus was an associate of Paul and Barnabas on their way back to Jerusalem (Gal 2:1).He proved himself a good and trustworthy worker with Paul.

Our first reading today Paul talks about Timothy’s sincere faith, “I thank God whom I serve with a clear conscience, as did my fathers, when I remember you constantly in my prayers. As I remember your tears, I long night and day to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now I am sure, dwells in you.” What is this sincere faith Paul is talking about, he spoke first of himself as serving God with a clear conscience, like his fathers. In this Paul must be looking back into history to the faith of Abraham, who served God and followed his promptings without a doubt, making a journey that looks nonsensical to a modern man. Then, the faith of Isaac and the faith of Jacob and many others in the Jewish faith who had left great examples. These men were pleasing to God because they dealt with God with a clear conscience. Is that what we find in the world today? There are too many people who are simply using the name of God and religion to trade.

The sincerity of faith Paul praised in Timothy should apply to every Christian who is truly making an effort to be a true disciple.

Let us pray: Lord, we want to be where you are, dwelling daily in your presence. Let us not worship from afar because of the barrier created by sin, bring us home to you Lord. Amen. 

+Remain blessed