“HONEY FROM THE ROCK”
Daily Reflections
Thursday, 26th January 2017,
Third Week in the Ordinary Time
Memorial of Sts. Timothy and Titus, Bishops
2 Tim 1: 1-8 au Tit 1: 1-5;
Ps 96: 1-3, 7-8, 10;
Lk 10: 1-9.
MESSENGERS OF PEACE
Today, we look at our ancestors in faith and how they put the gospel into practice after the Resurrection of Jesus. These men and women are the second generation: disciples of disciples and were often sent out two by two to preach by their very presence. The way of visiting and travelling show that the kingdom of justice and peace was indeed already alive in the world.
In the passage from the Letter to Timothy, Paul expresses his deep affection for Timothy, his companion on many missions, and a strong desire to see him. He thanks God for Timothy’s faith which he owes to his Jewish mother Eunice and grandmother Lois. At the same time, he reminds Timothy of the gift he received when Paul laid his hands on him. That gift, says Paul, was not one of timidity but one of power, love and self-control bringing with it the courage of witnessing to the Gospel even when, as in Paul’s case, it involved persecution and suffering. In the alternative reading from the Letter to Titus, Paul reminds his fellow-missionary of the duties of an apostolic person. It is “to bring those whom God has chosen to faith and to the knowledge of the truth that leads to true religion”.
The Gospel reading speaks of the instructions that Jesus gives to 72 disciples as he sends them out on a mission to do the same work that he himself is doing. His opening words are as true now as they were in the days of Timothy and Titus: “The harvest is abundant but the labourers are few; so ask the Master of the harvest to send out workers for his harvest.” Their message was to be one of healing. Not just physical healing but healing of all kinds, a making whole of people’s lives and of relationships. In doing this, they were bringing the Reign of God into the places where they visited. For it is love and peace and an ability to live together in mutual care and support that are the marks of God’s Reign in our lives. This was what Timothy and Titus devoted their lives to doing. We – whatever our status in the Christian community – are called on to do exactly the same.
Prayer: Lord, May I become a brave messenger of your peace and healing. May I learn to trust in your providence and live a life submitting myself to your mission. Jesus I trust in You. Amen.
