Homily Saints Timothy and Titus (2 Timothy 1:1-8) “Fire Up”
Homily Saints Timothy and Titus (2 Timothy 1:1-8) “Fire Up”
We follow the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul with the Feasts of Timothy and Titus. Timothy was from Asia Minor. Titus was from Antioch in Greece. Timothy and Titus were men who seem to be younger than Paul. They also were church leaders who accompanied Paul on some of his missionary journeys.
Paul entrusted these two men to undertake delicate tasks as his emissaries. When there were church communities that were in crisis, Paul would send one of these men to smooth the waters and to unite the church community again.
The burden of church governance can often wear a person down. We would think that charity and love would prevail, but that is not always the case. Arguments develop over the pettiest things. Paul told Timothy to stir into flame the gift of God. Paul reminds Timothy that he had laid hands on him at his ordination.
The symbol is a very powerful one. We all have sat around a fire at some time in our life. We know there are several things necessary to make a fire. One thing is a spark. The second thing is fuel. The third thing is oxygen. If a fire starts to burn down, we can add more fuel, but a quicker way to have the fire burn bright is to stir up the fuel. Often the fire will reignite and burn brighter.
We often say today that someone is “burned out.” What does that mean? What that means is that the person in question has tried too hard or worked too much or maybe they have been beaten down by others unrealistic demands.
People who take their Christian lives seriously will often get burned out. At such times we need to take our concerns to prayer and remind ourselves that God loves us whether we succeed in our tasks or not. We need to lighten up.
Reflection Questions:
- Have I ever wanted to give up on Christian living? What was the cause of that?
- Am I burned out right now? What can I do about it?
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Dear Parishioners,
We received the sad news on Saturday that Fr. Joseph Southwood a Legionary of Christ priest and native of Rock Island died in Mexico of COVID 19. Joe was in his fifties. His death brings home the seriousness of this pandemic.
I was informed recently that 24 priests of our diocese have contracted COVID. Since our diocese has only about 120 priests this is a very high percentage.
I knew Joe when I was stationed at St. Pius many years ago. Joe was a high school student. He was a very sensitive young man and a wonderful person. Please pray for Joe, his family and all priests.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark