Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Wednesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
Saint Timothy and Saint Titus, bishops

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
2 Timothy 1:1-8 or Titus 1:1-5
Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 7-8a, 10
Mark 4:1-20

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The readings of today highlight how blessed we Christians are for the gifts that we each have been given. These readings at Mass also emphasize our responsibilities to properly receive and develop these gifts, not just let them go to waste.

In the first reading of Paul to Timothy, Paul speaks of his own role as an "apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God." (2 Tim. 1:1) We can say the same of ourselves as baptized Christians. It is by the will of God that we have our individual missions to assist in building up His kingdom. Paul urged that Timothy "stir into flame the gift of God." (2 Tim. 1:1-8 ) Can we say of ourselves that we continue on a regular basis to inflame these gifts of God, the gifts received through our baptism and confirmation?

The gospel of today continues the theme with Christ instructing not only the multitudes, but later His own twelve apostles regarding the word falling on rich soil and producing fruit. We can work at being 'rich soil' through a regular prayer life, an openness to the Holy Spirit, spiritual reading, especially of scripture, reception of the sacraments, and attendance at Holy Mass. Or, we can let ourselves become 'rocky ground' where nothing spiritual is happening and the Word of God cannot grow and bear fruit through us. The decision is ours. What a wonderful opportunity we have! The choice is ours!

Saints Timothy and Titus, pray for us!

- Joan of Jesus, OCDS
(jmurphy at utica dot edu)

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posted by joachim at 4:16 AM