Final advice to Timothy

Today, we finish chapter 4 of the second epistle to Timothy, the last chapter. There were a lot of personal matters to settle. Paul requested Timothy to come to him soon (2 Timothy 4:9), hopefully before winter (2 Timothy 4:21). Demas, Crescens and even Titus went elsewhere. Only Luke remained with him. Paul requested Timothy to bring along Mark to him (2 Timothy 4:9). Luke reported that Paul refused to bring Mark along in his second missionary journey because Mark left him midway in the first (Acts 15:37-40). Paul did not remember grudges. He was willing to forgive and forget. Paul needed someone to come to help him, even one whom he did not like! How often we reject someone whenever they fail to show any sign of perseverance. Therefore, we should keep an open mind not to reject anyone who did not performed properly the first time. Christians always give people a second chance.
Paul had sent Tycicus to Ephesus (2 Timothy 4:12). Alexander the coppersmith did Paul a great disservice. He reminded Timothy to avoid him (2 Timothy 4:14-15). What a pity! Then Paul sent his regard to Prisca and Aquila as well as the household of Onesiphorus (2 Timothy 4:19). Erastus remained at Corinth; Trophimus at Miletus (2 Timothy 4:20). Probably, these were overseers appointed by Paul to take care of the churches over there. Paul the Apostle of the Gentiles was always on the move. As a leader, you should empower your subordinates to do the tasks at hand. You will never be capable enough to do everything yourself. Your primary task is to build up a team, empower them and get them involved. Unfortunately, pardon me to say things indiscreet, many a principal of the Catholic schools fails just to do this. They are perfectionists and put their hands in everything within reach of their radar.
Let's come back to Timothy. Paul charged him to
preach the word, be urgent in season and out of season, convince, rebuke, and exhort, be unfailing in patience and in teaching (2 Timothy 4:2).
This was a heavy task in view of the fact that people had itching ears to hear things they liked, myths rather than truth (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
Be steady and endure sufferings (2 Timothy 4:5).
Paul's advice was to be urgent, be patient, be steady and endure. May we also follow this advice to fulfil our mission as evangelists, teaching the good news to whoever is receptive.

My Advocate, May we be patient and steady in our missionary work. May You inspire those we speak to so that they may share Your eternal life. Amen.