January 26

Besides being saints and bishops in the early Church, these two men have

something else in common. Both received the gift of faith through the

preaching of St. Paul.

Timothy was born in Lycaonia in Asia Minor. His mother was a Jew and his

father was a Gentile. When Paul came to preach in Lycaonia, Timothy, his

mother and his grandmother all became Christians. Several years later, Paul

went back to found Timothy grown up. He felt that Timothy had a call from

God to be a missionary. Paul invited him to join him in preaching the

Gospel. So it was that Timothy left his home and parents to follow Paul.

He was soon to share in Paul's sufferings as well. They would have the joy

of bringing the Word of God to many people. Timothy was the great apostle's

beloved disciple, like a son to him. He went everywhere with Paul until he

became bishop of Ephesus. Then Timothy stayed there to shepherd his people.

As St. Paul, Timothy, too, died a martyr.

Titus was a Gentile nonbeliever. He, too, became Paul's disciple. Titus

was generous and hard-worKing. He joyfully preached the Good News with Paul

on their missionary travels. Because Titus was so trustworthy, Paul freely

sent him on many "missions" to the Christian communities. Titus helped

people strengthen their faith in Jesus. He was able to restore peace when

there were arguments among the Christians. Titus had a special gift for

being a peacemaker. Paul appreciated this gift in Titus and recognized it

as the Holy Spirit's work. Paul would send Titus to iron out difficulties.

When Titus would arrive among a group of Christians, the guilty ones would

feel sorry. They would ask forgiveness and would make up for what they had

done. When peace was restored, Titus would go back and tell Paul about the

good results. This brought Paul and the first Christians much happiness.

St. Paul made Titus bishop of the island of Crete, where he stayed until

his death.

Timothy and Titus gave their whole life--their time and energy--to Jesus.

They were true disciples of St. Paul. It's easy to overlook people like

this or take them for granted. Let's say some prayers today for all who

spread the Good News as Paul, Timothy and Titus did.