Remembering Timothy and Titus

When I was on the staff of our seminary in Sydney, I became a keen member of the Catholic Bushwalking Club. Some members were questioning the need for a club exclusively for Catholics and I can remember a conversation with my dear friend Hughie Smith. He said, ''It's okay for you, you are living with a number of priests and students who share your faith but most of us are working all the week with people who don't seem to have any religion. It is important for us to be able to go on weekend bushwalks with others who share Christian values.'' When Jesus began his mission, he immediately chose disciples to be with him and share his work. After his conversion, St Paul spent years on arduous missionary journeys. He too chose companions, such as Barnabas, Silas, Luke and Mark. Especially dear to him were today's saints, Timothy and Titus. He called Timothy his beloved child and had so much faith in Titus that he left him to organize the communities in Crete. Here, at St Columban's in Lower Hutt we appreciate the faith of the people who come to share with us in morning mass. It is very enriching if we are able to take part in a prayer group or bible reflection with others. We are not alone on the journey. May we too find believers like Timothy and Titus, Priscila and Lydia to accompany and inspire us.