Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, bishops

For this reason, I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of hardship for the Gospel with the strength that comes from God.

Although we might not be ordained like Timothy or Titus, we all should seek to stir into flame the gift of faith that God has given us and fulfill our vocation to be a priestly people. We are asked to be courageous in our faith and allow the power of the Holy Spirit to strengthen us, the love of Christ to pour out of us, and the self-control demanded by the Father to make us into good and faithful servants. We should not be ashamed of the testimony we give to our Lord through our every thought, word, and work. Instead, we should bear every burden with the strength that comes from following God’s Will. Then, and only then, will we proclaim the gospel of the Lord with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths and become a truly priestly people.

How can we stir the flame of our faith? What can we do to become courageous in our spiritual lives? How can we live out our calling to become a priestly people?

O Lord, give us the spirit of power, love, and self-control.

Amen.