pass it on

2 tim 1:1-8; Titus 1:1-5; Psalm 96 Proclaim God's marvelous deeds to all the nations; Luke 10:1-9

today we celebrate the memorial of Timothy and Titus. Both of these men were instrumental in helping to build and form the early Christian communities, the early church.

They worked hand in hand with St. Paul to proclaim the gospel message and to ensure the faithful were living it in the proper manner. See Titus 3:8, "I want to insist on these points, that those who have believed in god be careful to devote themselves to good works."

They were a faithful, reliable, consistent, and strong force for the gospel, for the kingdom.

They did what was asked of them, with no complaint and no hesitation.

We honor them today. But we do not just honor them, we honor those who taught them.

St. Paul in his letter to Timothy, mentions gratitude not just to Timothy but to those who passed it on to him, "...I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice..."

All faith comes from some where. It doesn't just pop out of the thin blue sky. It must have a history and a heritage if it is to be genuine and authentic.

St. Paul acknowledges the rich faith tradition from which Timothy comes. His heritage in his grandmother and mother gave him the foundation he needed to respond to God's call when it arrived.

They laid the seed bed so that God could reap his harvest.

When ever we celebrate the feast of the Saints, we must pause and think not only of them, but of those who helped them on the path. No saint becomes a saint in isolation.

We all have people in our life that have become for us what Lois and Eunice was to Timothy.

We should thank them. We should pray for them. We should bless them by living the faith we have received. What greater honor would there be than to embrace what was passed on and with gratitude pass it on as well.

excerpt from St. Basil

"What words can adequately describe God's gift? They are so numerous that they defy enumeration. they are so great that any one of them demands our total gratitude in response."