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1 Timothy 4: 12-16
Beloved:
Let no one have contempt for your youth,
but set an example for those who believe,
in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.
Until I arrive, attend to the reading, exhortation, and teaching.
Do not neglect the gift you have,
which was conferred on you through the prophetic word
with the imposition of hands by the presbyterate.
Be diligent in these matters, be absorbed in them,
so that your progress may be evident to everyone.
Attend to yourself and to your teaching;
persevere in both tasks,
for by doing so you will save
both yourself and those who listen to you.
The Word of the Lord.
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On paper, Saint Paul’s accolades are impossible to repeat:
The Risen Christ spoke to him; he helped write half of the New Testament; he was an Apostle; the greatest missionary of his age; and a man of exceptional spiritual and physical endurance.
But there’s one thing, in particular, that I find endearing. Although he likely had no children of his own, Paul had the tender heart of a father.
He ordained a number of men to the priesthood, including Timothy, whom he refers to as his, “spiritual son.”
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In our first reading, we hear part a letter, which Paul writes to Timothy, revealing several important truths about their relationship.
First, Paul writes to encourage Timothy, who seems to be struggling in his faith. “Do not neglect the gift you have,” he says, “which was conferred on you with the imposition of my hands.”
We don’t know exactly why Timothy was struggling – it could be the effect of Paul’s absence, the weight of persecution, dryness in prayer, or burn out.
“I remember you constantly in my prayers, night and day,” he says.
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Paul continues with tender-hearted affirmation, reminding Timothy that he follows in the footsteps of other faithful Christians, including his own grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice, who came to faith before him.
Their faith, “dwells in you,” he says.
But Paul concludes by challenging Timothy – as I suppose as any father would – to, “bear your share of hardship for the Gospel with the strength that comes from God.”
Such is the nature of a healthy father-son relationship: there is tenderness and affirmation, but also the encouragement to become the best version of yourself.
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I’d imagine Paul has the same fatherly love for each of us. While he assures us of his prayers, he also reminds us to work hard in the vineyard of the Lord.
So, how might I bear my share of the Gospel? What might I do for Jesus today?
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Image credits: (1) Dreamstime.com (2) Saint Paul Writing His Epistles, Valentine de Boulogne (3) Cassie Pease Designs