VATICAN - Timothy and Titus “teach us to serve the Gospel with generosity knowing that this involves a service to the Church”: Pope Benedict XVI illustrates the figure of two of St Paul’s co-workers

Thursday, 14 December 2006

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - In the Vatican Basilica this morning, the Holy Father met with faithful from dioceses in the Italian region of Calabria, accompanied by their bishops who are in the process of completing their "ad limina" visit. Also present was a group of Italian students. Afterwards, the Holy Father went to the Paul VI Hall for his weekly general audience.

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The Holy Father told the Italians that the Church in Calabria has a special task in society: "her evangelizing mission, more urgent than ever even in our own times, in order to face the current cultural, social and religious challenges. From the Gospel, courageously draw the light and strength to promote the authentic moral, social and economic renewal of your region. Be joyful witnesses of Christ and tireless builders of His Kingdom of justice and peace.”. The Holy Father entrusted the group of students to Our Lady of Guadalupe (feast day 12 December) “Mary accompanies us to encounter Jesus in the mystery of his Nativity”. In conclusion, the Pope thanked the region of Calabria which this year has donated the Christmas tree to adorn St. Peter's Square.
In the Paul VI Hall, the Holy Father's catechesis focused on Saints Timothy and Titus, two of St. Paul's closest associates. Benedict XVI recalled how Timothy, born in Listra (about 200 km from Tarsus) of a Jewish mother and a pagan father, was the first bishop of Ephesus a "shepherd of great importance," while Titus, whom Paul defined as "my true child in a common faith," was bishop of Crete. These two men, said the Holy Father, tell us that Paul, the archetypal Apostle, "did not do everything alone, but relied upon trusted individuals to share his labors and responsibilities." The Pope highlighted the "willingness" of Timothy and Titus "to take on various tasks, which often involved representing Paul in difficult circumstances. Thus they teach us," he added, "to serve the Gospel generously, knowing that this involves a service to the Church herself." Pope Benedict XVI quoted St. Paul's words in his Letter to Titus, where the Apostle exhorts his helper to remain faithful to the true doctrine: "'I desire you to insist on these things so that those who have believed in God may be careful to apply themselves to good deeds; these are excellent and profitable to men.'
From Crete Titus joined St Paul in Nicopolis in Epiro. Later he went to Dalmatia.
Considering these two figures Pope Benedict XVI highlighted certain significant elements. Pope Benedict XVI quoted St. Paul's words in his Letter to Titus, where the Apostle exhorts his helper to remain faithful to the true doctrine: "'I desire you to insist on these things so that those who have believed in God may be careful to apply themselves to good deeds; these are excellent and profitable to men.' (Tt 3,8), and he concluded: “"Through a solid commitment on our part," the Pope concluded, "we can and must discover the truth of these words and, precisely in this period of Advent, be rich in good works, thus opening the door of the world to Christ, our Saviour.".” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 14/12/2006, righe 44, parole 657)


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