Episode 2888: Embracing the Call to Discipleship - Morning Episode

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On January 24, 2025, the traditional Catholic calendar commemorates the feast of St. Timothy, Bishop and Martyr. The liturgical readings for this day, according to the 1962 Roman Missal, are as follows:
Quotes:
While there are no direct quotes from St. Timothy recorded in Scripture, his life and the letters addressed to him by St. Paul provide profound insights. St. Paul writes to Timothy:
"Let no man despise thy youth: but be thou an example of the faithful in word, in conversation, in charity, in faith, in chastity." (1 Timothy 4:12)
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear: but of power, and of love, and of sobriety." (2 Timothy 1:7)
Embracing the Call to Discipleship
Welcome to today's episode, where we delve into the profound lessons from the feast of St. Timothy, Bishop and Martyr. As a close companion of St. Paul, St. Timothy exemplifies the virtues of faith, courage, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel. Through the epistle and gospel readings designated for his feast, we uncover the essence of true discipleship and the sacrifices it entails.
Main Content:
In the first reading, taken from 1 Timothy 6:11-16, St. Paul exhorts Timothy to "pursue justice, godliness, faith, charity, patience, mildness." These virtues are not merely abstract ideals but are foundational to the Christian life. The call to "fight the good fight of faith" emphasizes the active struggle inherent in living out one's beliefs amidst challenges and opposition. St. Paul further charges Timothy to uphold the commandments "without spot, blameless," highlighting the importance of integrity and perseverance until the return of Christ.
Epistle: 1 Timothy 6:11-16
"Dearly beloved: Pursue justice, godliness, faith, charity, patience, mildness. Fight the good fight of faith: lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art called, and hast confessed a good confession before many witnesses. I charge thee, before God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who gave testimony under Pontius Pilate, a good confession, that thou keep the commandment without spot, blameless, unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: which in his times he shall shew, who is the Blessed and only Mighty, the King of kings, and Lord of lords: who only hath immortality, and inhabiteth light inaccessible: whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and empire everlasting. Amen."
Transitioning to the Gospel of Luke 14:26-33, our Lord presents a sobering criterion for discipleship: the readiness to prioritize Him above all familial ties and personal attachments. The term "hate" in this context is a Semitic expression denoting preference; thus, Jesus calls for an allegiance that places Him above all else. The imagery of carrying one's cross signifies a willingness to endure suffering and self-denial for the sake of the Kingdom. Furthermore, the parables of building a tower and waging war serve as analogies for the deliberate and wholehearted commitment required to follow Christ.
Gospel: Luke 14:26-33
"At that time, Jesus said to the multitudes: If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not carry his cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, having a mind to build a tower, doth not first sit down and reckon the charges that are necessary, whether he have wherewithal to finish it: lest, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that see it begin to mock him, saying: This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, about to go to make war against another king, doth not first sit down and think whether he be able, with ten thousand, to meet him that, with twenty thousand, cometh against him? Or else, while the other is yet afar off, sending an embassy, he desireth conditions of peace. So likewise every one of you that doth not renounce all that he possesseth, cannot be my disciple."
Reflecting on the life of St. Timothy, we see a living embodiment of these teachings. Despite his youth, he was entrusted with significant responsibilities within the early Church. St. Paul's admonition, "Let no man despise thy youth: but be thou an example of the faithful," underscores the potential for leadership and influence, regardless of age, when one is rooted in virtue. Moreover, the assurance that "God hath not given us the spirit of fear: but of power, and of love, and of sobriety" serves as a reminder that the Holy Spirit equips us with the necessary graces to fulfill our divine calling.
Conclusion:
The commemoration of St. Timothy invites us to introspect on our own journey of discipleship. Are we cultivating the virtues that St. Paul emphasizes? Do we hold Christ as the supreme priority in our lives, ready to bear our crosses in His name? As we meditate on these readings and the example set by St. Timothy, let us pray for the fortitude to embrace our Christian vocation fully, trusting in the Lord's promise of eternal life to those who remain steadfast in faith.
Thank you for joining us in today's reflection. May the life and legacy of St. Timothy inspire us to deepen our commitment to Christ and His Church.
Concluding Prayer
Let us pray:
“O God, who endowed St. Timothy with the courage to defend Your Church and blessed St. Francis de Sales with wisdom and patience, grant us the grace to imitate their virtues. Help us to carry our crosses with joy and to love You above all things. May we always pursue holiness, trusting in Your mercy and strength. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.”