AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY

Memorial of Sts. Timothy and Titus, bishops

 

 

AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY

 

So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, but bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God. – 2 Timothy 1:8\

 

My wife and I take pride in our Christian faith and we try to give glory to God at every proper opportunity we have.

In our home, the family Bible is visibly enthroned at the entrance and foyer.

In our business, we took our company name from the Holy Scriptures. When you open our websites, you’ll readily see the Christian character of its owner.

Once, we had a chance to share our faith with our neighbors at the subdivision we recently moved into. During our turn to host the monthly acquaintance party, we had Christian musicians as entertainers. My wife and I also sang a song about our heart’s thirst and longing for Jesus even if we don’t sing well.

We wanted our guests to know that we were striving to be Christians — and even prospering — in the business world. We want to tell the world that we can be in the world without compromising our faith. Rolly España (rolly@homeliving.com.ph)

 

REFLECTION:

Are you a cabinet Christian whose faith, like your Sunday wear, is seen only in church?

 

Lord Jesus, grant me a heart that is always bold to proclaim that You are my God, my Savior and my personal Friend.

 

 

EARLY BISHOPS OF THE CHURCH

 

The structure of ministry within the Church was established as bishop, priest and deacon emerged very early in the life of the Church. We see the foundations of it as early as Paul’s letters and the explicit wording within about 100 years after the death of Christ. Paul writes to both Timothy and Titus in what are sometimes known as the Pastoral Epistles. He writes to them in their capacity as leaders of the local churches he has established in Ephesus and Crete. It is quite clear that Paul intends that there be an institutional element to the leadership structure of the Church albeit one where the charismatic dimension of ministry is not lost.

Unfortunately through the years, the Church has tended to focus on the institutional element to the detriment of the charismatic, and thus while the Church can be very good at preserving structures, it can sometimes lose track of its most vital reason for existence, namely to evangelize all people — to proclaim the Gospel to the ends of the earth. It is easy to see how necessary it is to have structure to guide and coordinate such an ambitious project — it is equally obvious that without the power of the Holy Spirit manifest in the lives of the leaders of the Church through the charisms, such a goal will be impossible.

As we remember Timothy and Titus today, let us pray for our leaders that they will be always guided by the Spirit of God in all that they do and that they will never lose sight of the call to proclaim the Good News of salvation to all men and women. I am sure Timothy and Titus made this goal their foremost concern in their ministries — let us do the same ourselves.

St. Paul would not have entrusted such difficult tasks to men who were not ready for the job; in the same way we need to believe that whatever the shortcomings of our leaders may be, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, they have all that they need to lead us along the path and in the work of salvation.Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL

 

Reflection Question:

How often do I really set aside time to pray for my leaders? Am I willing to make this sacrifice for their sake and the sake of the Body of Christ?

 

Holy Spirit, empower and guide all who lead the Church so that they will avail themselves of every gift You offer them in their ministry.

 

St. Paula, pray for us.