FRIDAY JANUARY 26, 2024
FRIDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF THE ORDINARY TIME YEAR B
2 Timothy 1:1-8
Mark 3:31-35
COLLABORATION IN THE SERVICE OF GOD
We celebrate today the feast of two companions of Saint Paul, saints Timothy and Titus. These two saints were disciples and coworkers with Saint Paul in his missionary endeavour. Paul calls them his children, coworkers, and collaborators. How much do we collaborate with others in the work of Evangelization? How humble are we in working with others for the spread of the gospel.
The apostles, Titus and Timothy are great examples for us in the spread of the gospel message. These men worked assiduously with Saint Paul in his mission. And Saint Paul recommended and praised their devotion, their doggedness, their singleminded devotion to the spread of the message. And as time went on, they were appointed heads of Churches and Bishops.
In life and life endeavours, we are never in any competition with anyone. We are mere instruments of God at all times. And our roles are assigned us. Necessarily, we must pass the huddle of being subordinates, before we can become heads, if God wills it. There is never a time we jump to becoming heads. This is true even as priests and lay faithful. In any organization we find ourselves, there is always the need to cooperate and collaborate with all to the success of the organization.
But unfortunately, what we are experiencing is a somewhat caricature of collaboration, or rather competition. Where the head instead of serving, Lord it over the subjects and there seems to be swift resistance, increasing tension and strive in the church. While some are working, others are only observing to criticise and condemn. This is not the spirit of Christ. Saint Paul with Titus and Timothy teach us today to be disposed to work with God, to be disposed to humble ourselves before others and collaborate positively in the task of spreading the gospel. We must do this by contributing meaningfully through active participation, financial contribution, physical presence in planning, free will donation of talents and skills in the work of spreading the gospel.
And in collaborating with others, we must be bold, energetic, simple, and faithful. Paul admonishes us never to be timid or luckwarm.
The gospel message talks about Fidelity to Christ in all our endeavours. Those that belong to Christ are not tied by blood, not by social relationship, but by obedience and faithfulness to the things of God. So, the brothers, sisters and family members of Christ are those who do the will of God.
Heavenly Father you assigns us our task and gives us the grace to accomplish them. Grant that we may devote ourselves working religiously on the assignment committed to us. Help us to collaborate with others in the work of spreading the gospel. May we never hold back the good we intend to do. And remove from us the spirit of jealousy, envy, and enmity. Renew us in your spirit of love and collaboration through Christ our Lord
Fr Norbert Uchuno
