Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saints Timothy
and Titus, Bps (26th January, 2017) on the Gospel and the Memorial
2Tim 1:1-8 or Tit 1:1-5;
Ps 95:1-3.7-8.10. (R. v. 3);Lk 10:1-9.
Timothy (c. AD 17 - c. AD 97) had a Greek father and a Jewish
mother named Eunice as a result of which the Jews considered him illegitimate. His
grandmother, Lois, was the first to be converted. Timothy was converted by Paul
around the year 47 and he later joined him in his apostolic work. He proved
himself one of Paul’s most faithful and trusted friends. Saint Paul sent him on
difficult missions. Saint Timothy is the patron Saint of intestinal disorders,
stomach diseases[1].
Titus (d. 96 or 107 AD) had the distinction of being a
close friend and disciple of Paul as well as a fellow missionary. He was Greek,
apparently from Antioch. Even though Titus was a Gentile, Paul would not let
him be forced to undergo circumcision. Titus was seen as a peacemaker,
administrator, and a great friend[2].
He is the patron saint of the United States Army Chaplain Corps[3].
Topic: Plenty harvest yet few workers
(cf. Lk 10:2).
Jesus sent seventy of his disciples in pairs on mission in today’s
gospel. Before embarking on the mission, Jesus made them to understand among
other things that the work is enormous and the need to pray to God for workers.
Again, they were not going out as lords but lambs among wolves. These
notwithstanding, they were to “Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no
one on the road” (Lk 10:4). They were
to remain in one house eating and drinking whatever they were given. And they were
to cure the sick and to announce the arrival of the kingdom of God.
There are a lot of things we can reflect on in today’s
gospel. But we are to focus on the first thing Jesus made them to know: “The
harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few ....” Can this statement still be
true today considering the number of people already in the vineyard?
Judging by the number of churches we have today and the
ministers each has, one can hastily conclude that this is no longer relevant.
But it is important to note that there is great difference between people in
the vineyard and labourers in the vineyard. Hence, Jesus warns
Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the
kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On
that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name,
and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name? (Matt 7:21-22).
As we celebrate Saint Timothy and Saint Titus who collaborated
with Saint Paul in the Lord’s vineyard we must pray more fervently for workers
in the Lord’s vineyard. The number of people in the vineyard makes the work
even more difficult because one needs to decipher first who are there to work
and who are there for other purposes, cf. 1Tim
6:5.
We must tighten our belts and lace our shoes because the work
is more tedious today and it is for all of us. There will be great reward for
all who work in the Lord’s vineyard, cf. Matt
19:28-29. And at the same time, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth
for those who neglect their work, cf. Lk
13:26-28. Let us work today for the great reward tomorrow.
Bible Reading: Matt
7:21-23; Lk 13:22-30.
Thought for today: You have your part in God’s vineyard.
Let us pray: Lord, help us to be good labourers
in your vineyard – Amen.
Saints Timothy and Titus – Pray for
us.
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