SS. Timothy & Titus, Bishops - Memorial

Many of us became Christians when we were baptised as babies. Some of us became Christians when we were baptised as adults. But whatever the circumstances may be, we are Christians and as Christians, Jesus has commissioned us to go forth and proclaim the Good News. This is not merely a request, but a command, an order, a duty. We should not be shy or timid in fulfilling our duty, as St. Paul in today's reading reminds us: "That is why I am reminding you now to fan into a flame the gift that God gave you when I laid my hands on you. God’s gift was not a spirit of timidity, but the Spirit of power, and love, and self-control. So you are never to be ashamed of witnessing to the Lord, or ashamed of me for being his prisoner; but with me, bear the hardships for the sake of the Good News, relying on the power of God who has saved us and called us to be holy."

The question we need to ask ourselves is this: Have we become complacent or comfortable with our lives, that proclaiming the Good News has become less and less important? Have we become more and more attracted to the ways of the world, and forgotten or ignored or feel ashamed of witnessing to the Lord? May we with renewed zeal and vigour fan into a flame the gift that God has given us, and fearlessly and enthusiastically share His Good News with all around us, remembering that ultimately, our lives are meant to give glory to God.