First Reading II Timothy 1:1-8 or Titus 1:1-5 Gospel Mark 4:31-25

Timothy was from an inter-faith marriage: his mother was Jewish; his father was Gentile. Titus’ parents were both Gentiles. Timothy and Titus were trusted friends, associates, and companions of Paul in his missions and in his sufferings. They often had the delicate task of delivering Paul’s letters to Churches with problems. Paul calls Timothy his “dear son.” One person cannot do everything. We need friends and associates; we need to delegate responsibilities. Because they had a common love and zeal for the gospel, these associates of Paul are honored as saints. In the first alternate reading, Paul urges Timothy to stir into flame the grace of the Holy Spirit given when Paul imposed hands on him. This may be the grace of Confirmation, enabling Timothy to profess his faith boldly. Or it may be the grace of Holy Order, enabling Timothy to be a faithful minister of Word and Sacrament. In the second alternate reading, Paul speaks of the mission of Titus: to carry on the work by appointing other priests. Personnel may come and go, but the Church goes on forever, preaching, teaching, and sanctifying.