26 January 2022 – Saints Timothy and Titus, Bishops

26 January 2022 – Saints Timothy and Titus, Bishops

I am grateful to God—whom I worship with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did—when I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you.
2 Timothy 1:1-8, NRSV.

To Titus, my loyal child in the faith we share:
Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Saviour.
I left you behind in Crete for this reason, that you should put in order what remained to be done, and should appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.
Titus 1:1-5, NRSV.

Following on from yesterday’s feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, the Church today commemorates Timothy and Titus who were both trusted friends and co-workers of Paul. Although from different places, both Timothy and Titus had Greek origins and were brought to Christianity as young men by Paul’s preaching and ministry. It is clear from Paul’s words in these readings that he held a deep personal affection for both Timothy and Titus and that he relied on them to carry out leadership tasks in the establishment of the early church. Little more is known about these saints, but their work helped to plant the early seeds of Christian faith which later generations have come to enjoy.

    • What do you think might have attracted these young men to become followers of Jesus? 
    • How can we help young people in our church today to discern their mission?

Give thanks for the lives and work of Timothy, Titus and all who helped to plant the seeds of our Christian faith.

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