The Roman Catholic Church Venerates St. Timothy with St. Titus by a memorial on 26th January, one day after the feast of the conversion of St. Paul. In India, the memorial is delayed because of Republic Day, hence it is celebrated on 27th January.
Timothy and Titus were two faithful men of God who were trained by St. Paul to guide the early Church. They were trusted friends and co-workers with St. Paul through many of his trials, Paul was very close to both Timothy and Titus, calling each his ‘Son’ in his epistles. As they ministered to their respective Church communities, Paul encouraged them to stand firm in the truth. They took on the mantle of leadership at a young age, remained faithful and upright, serving God with sound judgement and helping the early Church to flourish after Paul passed away.
St. Timothy
Timothy or Timotheos means “Honoring God” or “Honored by God”. St. Timothy was raised in the faith by a Jewish mother who later became a Christian believer. His father was Greek. Timothy had the honor of being a fellow-apostle with St. Paul, sharing the privilege of preaching the Gospel and suffering for it. He was with St. Paul at the founding of the Church in Corinth. During the 15 years he worked with Paul, he became one of his most faithful and trusted friends. According to Paul, Timothy strengthened and encouraged his brothers and sisters in the faith and like Paul, his testimony for Christ resulted in his imprisonment(Heb 13:23). Timothy was fairly young for the work he was doing. Several references seem to indicate that he was timid. One of Paul’s frequently quoted lines was addressed to him (in 1 Tim 5:23) “Stop drinking only water, but have a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent illness”
Timothy who was unmarried was Bishop and Ephesus till he was over 80 years of age. He was mortally beaten by pagans and martyred for his faith.
St. Titus
Titus was a close friend and disciple of Paul as well as a fellow missionary. He is believed to be a gentile converted to Christianity by Paul through a gentile, Paul would not let him be forced to undergo circumcision at Jerusalem. St. Paul’s second letter to Corinth gives an insight into the depth of his friendship with Titus and the fellowship they had in preaching the gospel. Titus was consecrated as Bishop of the island of Crete. He continued as Archbishop of Crete and died there when he was over 90. Saints Timothy and Titus are Patron saints of Relief from Stomach Disorders
Sainthood
We think that saints are special class of people, so how can we live like the saints since we are just ordinary people? Actually saints are ordinary people like us. Their secret is not ‘SOMETHING’ they possess, but ‘SOMEONE WHO POSSESSES THEM’. Sanctity (Holiness) is about being passionately ‘In love with Jesus’. We learn from Jesus what it looks like for a human being to live life abundantly. Being Saintly or Holy does not mean doing extraordinary things, But uniting ourselves to Jesus, making His thoughts and attitude ours. This is the duty of every Christian, when we put God first, our neighbor second and ourselves third, we acquire a lifestyle that is focussed on God and others, not just on ourselves. That’s what creates holiness
As baptized Catholics, Jesus Christ has made us His own. We receive Jesus Christ’s healing mercy and forgiveness in the sacrament of confession. WE eat His Body and drink his Blood in the Eucharist. We speak with Him in moments of quiet prayer. This love that we receive from Jesus should spread out into the rest of our life. When we carry out lovingly the unimportant everyday actions in our homes, neighborhood, parish, Place of work, while traveling etc., we are acting with the Love of Jesus Christ just as the Saints did. Saints endured hardships just as we do. But their sacrifices and self-denial led them to greater love and joy that many have never known. Our life on earth is a preparation for union with God in heaven for all eternity, where His love grows deeper and stronger without end.
Saints are not just our models in heaven, they pray for us. They show us that by God’s Grace, we can live our lives like them. They are a reminder to us of the destiny God has in store for those who love Him. Let us pray that we and our loved ones have courage like the Saints to be followers and witnesses of Jesus Christ. There is no greater Joy, no greater Vocation.
Blessings of St. Timothy & St. Titus on you & Your Family
J. Rodrigues