Timothy

Today, we celebrated the Feast of Timothy and Titus. They were two prominent disciples of St. Paul, who consecrated them bishops and assigned them to take care of the churches he established on his missionary journeys.
Timothy was probably a bit green at that time. Paul wrote two letters to instruct and advise him. In the 2^nd epistle to Timothy, we found some information of the problems he was facing.
Timothy came from a very good background. Paul mentioned his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice, both of them passed on the faith to Timothy (2 Timothy 1:5). Timothy was also trained in the holy scriptures since childhood (2 Timothy 3:15-16). Therefore, he was already a very highly qualified occupant of the chair (cathedral) of bishop.
The congregation was probably beset by controversies, especially the controversy over resurrection. Among them, Hymenaeus and Philetus, claimed "that the resurrection is past already" (2 Timothy 2:18). This rendered Christianity a dead faith. If resurrection were reserved for Jesus Christ alone, Christians would be the greatest fools in this world. Their life is based on this faith and hope in resurrection and thus eternal life. To attain this eternal life, Christians bear witnesses to God's love with their charity. This faith in resurrection needs to be defended at all costs. Timothy was probably overwhelmed by the gravity of this task.
Paul offered his advice. He encouraged Timothy that when he was consecrated bishop, he had been given, "not a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, love and self-control" (2 Timothy 1:6-7). Be prepared to suffer for testifying to the Lord. He further reminded Timothy of his own example.
To deal with the bigger issue of administering the congregation, Timothy must firstly strengthen himself (2:21-22). Avoid stupid controversies with godless people (2:23). Yet correct their mistakes with gentleness so that their souls might be saved (2:25-26). During these last days (at that time, the early church expected Jesus to return soon.) Timothy should expect most people to be self-centred, to love money more than God etc. (3:1-7). Paul advised him to keep studying the holy scriptures for his pastoral work and personal perfection (3:16-17). Moreover, people preferred myths to the truth. So, Paul urged Timothy to work hard to defend the truth with unfailing patience (4:1-4). These are indeed sound advice to bishops throughout the ages.

My God, I pray for our Pope, all the bishops, missionaries, priests and deacons. May they be strong defenders of Your truth. May they be patient pastors of Your flock on earth. In their calling to serve Your Word, may they attain perfection and unity with You. Amen.