Sunday of Ruth (NTA)

2 Timothy 1:1-14

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus,

² To Timothy, my beloved child:

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

³ I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. ⁴ As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. ⁵ I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. ⁶ For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, ⁷ for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

⁸ Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, ⁹ who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, ¹⁰ and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, ¹¹ for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, ¹² which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. ¹³ Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. ¹⁴ By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

What is the Gift of God given to Timothy through the laying on of St Paul’s hands? This is the gift he is called to fan into flame. Not all of us get the treat of having St Paul commission us for such a task. But God has given each of us a great gift, Family. (God also gave you faith.)

St Timothy was taught the true faith by his Grandmother and Mother. They taught St Timothy the full Narrative of God. It was this devotion to educating their children, which provided Timothy the faith to follow St Paul. It was from this foundation, which helped create a positive preacher.

Similarly, we may not all be able to be Pastors, Preachers, or Evangelists, but God can use our knowledge in a variety of ways. Each of us is given the task to teach our faith to our family. We are able to express that faith in the work place. We are even able to forgiven one another, knowing that Christ has forgiven us.

The Narrative may be simple, but it expresses the Love God has for each of his creatures. The Love God has for all sinners. God expresses this Love in His word. He reveals this Love in his Son. This is a great gift to be able to spread like a wild fire.