Today we celebrate the feast day of two of St. Paul's companions and co-workers. Timothy and Titus helped Paul in his missionary journeys in a variety of ways, but most especially later when he made each a bishop in order to solidify the foundation of the Church. Timothy was made bishop of Ephesus, and Titus, who was a Greek, bishop of Crete.
It must have been exciting for all of them knowing that they were part of the beginning of what would be a tremendously huge operation: the Church of Jesus, the Church which he founded upon Peter and Paul, the Church which was to ensure the presence of Jesus on earth until the end of time.
Paul takes comfort from Timothy and Titus when things get rough for him, and he gives them reassurance and comfort when things get strained for them. It was not easy at all being in on the ground floor of the Christian religion – they needed all the mutual love and support that they could give one another. This is later why Jesus sent out his disciples two by two.
Their mutual aid and support was always rooted in faith: faith in Christ Jesus for whom they worked, for whom they toiled, for whom they would do anything at all to accomplish the mission that he entrusted to them: even to the point of giving their lives!
In the first reading today from Paul's letter to Timothy we see how affectionately Paul encourages his fellow bishop to stir into flame the gift of God that he received through the imposition of hands (through his ordination as bishop). It is a spirit of power and love and self-control so that the work at hand can be done joyfully and with great perseverance.
In the gospel passage Jesus is seen sending out his disciples far and wide with the commission to go and harvest the flock – the Father's flock – his flock – for they are like sheep without a shepherd. It would be dangerous and perilous work – the perks would be few and far between – but armed with the Good News: the simple statement: "The Kingdom of God is at hand for you!" - great things will be accomplished – for he, Jesus, will be doing the work!
Paul, Timothy and Titus all made that wonderful proclamation: to places in which it could extend to all the world: and great things are being accomplished: even in our own day: the Kingdom of God is being manifested right here, right now!
And we are called upon with Paul, Timothy and Titus to proclaim God's marvelous deeds to all the nations!
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