Skip to main content
ParishConnect LogoHome
Nativity of Our Lord
search
Login

Next Masses

Allarrow-right
Thu9:30 AMCancelled Mar 28
Thu11:30 PMMass of the Lord's...
Fri9:30 AMcancelled for Good...

Sept. 16 - 1 Timothy 4: 12-16

Fr. Michael MachacekNativity of Our LordSeptember 16, 2021
unlockPublic

Today’s other readings are Psalm 111 and Luke 7: 36-50

There is no doubt that Timothy was someone for whom Paul felt great fondness and caring.  His two letters contain passages of warmth and paternal advice.  Today’s passage is one of them.

Being young, Timothy would have faced a fair amount of scepticism from more than a few in his community.  “What could that young whippersnapper know?”  And it may have been that Timothy had self-doubts in the face of such attitudes.

But Paul reminds him that he is ready to take on such a task, through his conduct, with love and faith and purity.  He is a leader, and was appointed to be one by the laying on of hands by the council of elders. 

This passage reminds of our youth ministry, whether it is for the EDGE or Lifeteen programmes, when one of the young catechists is ready to deliver a teaching everyone else is asked to pray for them and extend their hands over them, asking the Holy Spirit to be with them and guide them.  For the Spirit will lead them and guide them, no matter how young they may be.  For they too are doing the work of God, just as Timothy did. 

May almighty God bless our youth ministry as it resumes this Autumn.