Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God for the promise of life in Christ Jesus,
to Timothy, my dear child: grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Today's first reading, the beginning of Saint Paul's Second Letter to Timothy, recalls a critical moment in the history of the Church; that is, the passing of the faith to another generation.
As one who has seen seventy-seven years of this world, I remember many people who have passed into family lore; and more who have not. I remember old photos of great uncles and aunts, but I never knew their names. I'm sure they are buried somewhere and perhaps my distant cousins -- once, twice, and thrice removed -- may still honor the ancestors I have forgotten.
In any case, not many people are remembered for very long. As a celibate priest who never built a church and never had a parish hall named for himself, I don't suppose anyone will remember me a century from now. Fifty years? Perhaps. I don't suppose, a great niece, born last week, will remember her Great-uncle Ken.
None of that is important. I hope she'll know the Lord and the Sacraments of our Church. I hope she will know the Lord's last words: "Do this in memory of me!" and Saint Paul's last words, "For this reason, I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands." Saint Paul wrote to Timothy.
Perhaps she'll hear the catch in their throats, which says. "You must do this!" I hope her mother and father will obey the command of Moses when he descended from Mount Sinai l with a covenant from God, "Drill this into your children!"
If the Word is not heard, accepted, and embraced by the next generation, no amount of cathedrals and basilicas, books and blogs will be able to carry the Gospel forward.
"...I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.