SS TIMOTHY AND TITUS, BISHOPS (Memorial) White

Timothy and Titus were co-workers of Paul. Timothy was Paul’s companion on his second and third missionary journey (Acts 16:3; 19:22). He was often sent by Paul on special missions. Timothy was the head of the church in Ephesus. He was stoned to death in 97 AD for opposing the worship of Dionysius. Titus also missioned with Paul and he carried out important tasks. He died a natural death at the age of 94.

First Reading: 2 Tim 1:1-8; Psalm: 96 R. v. 10;Gospel: Lk 10:1-9

INNER BAGGAGE

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

“Carry no purse, no bag, and no sandals . . .” (Lk 10:4).

A priest was assigned to a poor parish. His intention was to move all his properties along with him. But then he discovered that the new Father’s rectory was too small to accommodate them. Finally, he decided to leave them behind and went only with the few things he needed. But as he proceeded, he began to grumble “Why should the Bishop send me to this very parish?” “What offence have I committed?” “These parishioners do not even like my tribe’s people” “I also don’t understand their dialect.” “I don’t think I am the best priest for this mission.” He went on and on.

When it comes to mission, there is no baggage as heavy as complaints and disinclination. Mission is the call to spread the kingdom of God. It is the responsibility of every Christian because our faith is useless if we failed to witness to it through mission. The Church is missionary by character. And as members of the Church we are all missionaries. Jesus warned his disciples to carry no purse, no bag, and no sandals as he sent them out on mission. For it was better for a missionary to travel light. But from experience, it is the inner baggage we carry that slows us down. When we are indisposed and complain of the task of witnessing to Christ, we may end up doing nothing at all.

Jesus wants us to pay attention to our inner baggage as we go out to witnessing to him in our world today. The inner baggage of complaints, excuses, indisposition, anxiety, and fear. When we complain that the Christian life is too demanding; we may not be faithful to it. When we give excuses why we can’t forgive; forgiveness becomes impossible. When we are indisposed to help a neighbour; helping becomes a burden. Readiness and disposition are indispensable in our call to Christian witnessing. If we desired to be successful in our mission of witnessing to Jesus Christ; we must let go of all inner baggage.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, help us to get rid of all inner baggage that hinders our response to witnessing to you as faithful disciples of the gospel. Amen.