The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, January 26, 2006
Thursday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
Saints Timothy and Titus, bishops

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
2 Timothy 1:1-8
Psalm 132:1-5, 11-14
Mark 4:21-25

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

What a warm and very human letter Paul addresses to Timothy. (Our role models are very much real people!) In that first reading Paul urges Timothy to "Stir into flame the gift of God....and that the Spirit of God is not one of cowardice, but rather of power, and love and self-control." (see 2 Timothy 1:1-8) Paul is also speaking to all of us who have been confirmed, have received the Holy Spirit.

How might we do this -- stir into flame -- for we all know if you leave a flame undisturbed long enough it will go out, or be extinguished. The same is true of the gifts we have received, such as the gift of faith. The Church and saints of the Church guide us in this. We are told of the necessity of regular prayer, of scriptural readings, of participation in the formal gatherings of our faith community to celebrate the Mass and to receive the sacraments frequently.

In the gospel reading of Mark for today, Christ reminds us of our responsibility to "let our light shine before others." (Mark 4:21-25) Obviously, we first must stir the flame of faith so it is shining brightly, and keep it so, then when situations arise we will be prepared to evangelize, whether by example or word. The Holy Spirit will guide us, but we need to be ready! Are we ready right now?

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

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