Memorial of Saint Timothy and Saint Titus, bishops
Have you ever tried to plant a seed or a seedling? Which one of us just throws a seed on the ground and hopes for the best? Not many and perhaps not any. Instead most of us work the soil first. We prepare it by adding fresh dirt or even manure, and then we plant the seed. All of this work is then followed by the wait. Occasionally we water or pull a weed, however if we have done our preparation well, we wait. And waiting can be difficult especially if we have invested ourselves into the seed’s growth.
For Paul, whose letter to Timothy suggests a hint of pessimism, life in prison must have been difficult. He too was waiting, wondering what God’s plan had in store for both min and Timothy. Yet, listen to his language. It seems filled with gratitude, and even joy. In the letter we encounter Paul writing a personal letter to a man in whom he had sown the seeds of faith. Paul had grown Timothy from a seed and poured his heart into nurturing his faithful discipleship. His impassioned letter is to encourage and instruct Timothy, knowing this is the last time they may ever communicate.
Although written to Timothy, Paul’s thoughts certain can teach an encourage us. “I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of hands.” (2 Tim. 1:6) When we meditate on the imagery here, the sacramental overtones are almost enough to swell our hearts with zeal for the Lord. Most of us have received the Holy Spirit through the sacraments. And yet, have we all recognized the gifts of the Spirit in our own lives?
Reflect today with your mind’s eye on the state of your own heart. Let the words from Paul flow over you like God’s love. In this way the gift of God, that are the seeds of love, will spring forth new growth. Growing in the strength of love ‘stirred into flame’ will help our hearts bear hardship and our will fill our lips with praise for you alone O Lord.
-Michael Montgomery