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Monday, January 26, 2004

Meditation
2 Timothy 1:1-8

Sts. Timothy and Titus

God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)

Paul told Timothy—a somewhat timid apostle—to fan the flame of the Spirit within him so that he could be more effective in leading the church in Ephesus. Yet Paul’s command was not only for this one man in a particularly challenging situation. These words apply just as much to us, whatever our situations! After all, the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead—the same Spirit that empowered Timothy—lives in us as well!

Why should we fan the flame of the Spirit? Because God wants us to make a difference in this world, and he knows that we cannot do this on our own strength. Only Christ in us, the hope of glory, can empower us to build the kingdom of God. At the same time, we can’t just sit around and expect God to do the work in us, for faith without action is dead (James 2:17). No, we must step out in faith, learning to rely on the spiritual gifts Jesus has given us.

So what practical steps can we take? How can we actually “fan the flame”? If we begin by following Jesus in the small things, not only will our faith grow but so will our experience of God’s power. Maybe that means establishing a time once a week to pray with our children. Maybe it means setting aside a part of our finances to help the poor and needy. Maybe it means doing something extra for our spouse to dem-onstrate our love. The possibilities are endless, and all of them can become a way to fan the flame if we ask the Holy Spirit to bless them.

This is probably how Timothy and Titus became so effective as apostles, bishops, and witnesses to the resurrection. Like the rest of us, they each had their own strengths and weaknesses. But over time, as they cooperated with the Holy Spirit, they both saw God work wonders in them and through them.

“Lord, thank you for the gift of your Spirit. Help me to move in this world with greater confidence in you. Jesus, I want to be your servant.”

One Bread, One Body

<< Monday, January 26, 2004 >>

Sts. Timothy & Titus

2 Timothy 1:1-8 or
Titus 1:1-5

Psalm 89:20-22, 25-26

Mark 3:22-30

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BE A TITUS

“Titus, my own true child.” —Titus 1:4

St. Titus the apostle is seen in the New Testament as one who brings peace and unity. Titus accompanied Paul to Jerusalem (Gal 2:1) when Paul had a council with the Jewish apostles for the purpose of submitting his preaching content “for their scrutiny” (Gal 2:2). Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles, and Titus, one of Paul’s Gentile converts to Christianity, was living proof of the fruit of Paul’s ministry (Gal 2:3). Titus’ living faith was a witness to the Jerusalem apostles, who stood united with Paul, approved him, and re-commissioned him to “go to the Gentiles” (Gal 2:9).

Paul wrote a severe letter of correction to the young Christians at Corinth. Because this was an explosive situation, Paul chose Titus, the man of peace and unity, to deliver this letter in person to Corinth. After Titus departed, Paul grew anxious for news of the impact of his letter. Paul couldn’t minister to the people of Troas, despite an “open door” to preach there, because Titus hadn’t returned yet with news (2 Cor 2:12-13). Paul was “low in spirit,” but God gave him “strength with the arrival of Titus” (2 Cor 7:6). Titus found joy in the repentance of the Corinthians (2 Cor 7:13) and gave Paul joy by his unifying ministry in Corinth. Titus’ heart embraced the Corinthians with an expanding love (2 Cor 7:15). No wonder Paul sent Titus to make peace. Blessed are the peacemakers (Mt 5:9).

Prayer: Father, make me an instrument of Your peace.

Promise: “With the strength which comes from God bear your share of the hardship which the gospel entails.” —2 Tm 1:8

Praise: St. Titus had a great love for the poor. With eagerness and zeal, he traveled from church to church to collect money so the poor of Jerusalem could have