BIG C CATHOLICS

The Church celebrates the memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus both 1st century bishops and missionary companions to their mentor Saint Paul, on January 26th. Pope Benedict XVI observed, "The sources concerning Timothy and Titus highlight their readiness to take on various offices that also often consisted in representing Paul in circumstances far from easy. In a word, they teach us to serve the Gospel with generosity, realizing that this also entails a service to the Church herself." Timothy and Titus remind us that no grace is given solely for our benefit. Grace is to be shared so the Church may be built up in love. Reading Paul's two letters to Timothy and his letter to Titus show that the early Church was at times deeply divided. St. Paul's first letter to Timothy 3:15 clearly states where we are to find the truth. Paul refers to the Church as the pillar and foundation of the truth. We do not consult Scripture alone to find the truth because different people

January 26th, the Church celebrates the memorial of Saint Timothy and Saint Titus, bishops and missionaries in the early years of Christianity. The Divine Office recalls that: "Timothy and Titus were converted to Christianity by Saint Paul, and became his companions and helpers. Paul entrusted Timothy with the care of the Christians in Ephesus, and sent Titus to Crete to look after the Christians there. He wrote them the so-called 'pastoral' epistles, giving advice for pastors and people alike." In 2nd Timothy St. Paul instructs Timothy thusly: "I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands" (2 Tm 1:6). Msgr. Bernard Bourgeois reflects on St. Paul's words: " Speaking to Timothy, Paul advises him 'to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. So, do not be ash

Saint Timothy was born in Galatia in Asia Minor, [present day Turkey] the son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother. He was later baptized and ordained to the priesthood by Saint Paul, his mentor and advisor. Timothy replaced Barnabas as Paul's missionary companion and in time became his most beloved spiritual son. He accompanied Paul on numerous missionary journeys and according to tradition was the bishop of Ephesus. St. Timothy was stoned to death for denouncing the worship of the goddess Diana during the festival of Katagogian in the year 96. Saint Titus was a convert from paganism who worked with St. Paul on many apostolic missions. He served as bishop of Crete, a challenging ministry because of the nature of the inhabitants and the spread of erroneous doctrines there. St. Paul's writings show that St. Titus rejoiced in seeing the good in others and inspired great admiration for his compassionate teaching and affectionate sympathy. The Life of St. Timothy Timothy