2 Timothy 1:1-8
Psalm 95(96):1-3,7-8,10
Mark 3:22-30
Fan up the flame
As a Pharisee, Paul was a dedicated Jewish worshiper and later a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Initially, he persecuted believers, but after his transformation, he became an enthusiastic apostle to the gentiles. Today, we honor two of his key converts—Timothy and Titus—who were the next generation of Christians; Timothy served as bishop of Ephesus, and Titus of Crete.
Timothy’s mother and grandmother were faithful Jewish women who lovingly taught him the Old Testament scriptures. They saw Paul preaching, healing, and enduring persecution. Paul wholeheartedly believed in Jesus.
Paul’s sacrifice inspired them to follow his path—dying to self and allowing Christ to shine through. They embraced, “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” This devotion and passion should be our greatest goal. We too have the Holy Spirit within us as part of God’s family—one flock under one Shepherd. Let’s rekindle God’s gifts within us with love, for love conquers all.
We can pray with St. Paul’s words on love from 1 Corinthians 13: “Love is patient, love is kind… Always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres.”
May God’s love within us guide and strengthen. As we go about our day, let’s seek trustworthy, Jesus-like, God-fearing friends to foster genuine divine connections. Amen.
Fr Joseph Osho