+ In these very personal letters of Paul, they are nothing short of deep and loving fraternity, with an added touch of gentle encouragement to live fully and faithfully the word of God.
In the Gentile world, faith in Jesus Christ and the Gospel stood side by side with paganistic ideas and practices.
The need for good teaching and faithfulness to the Gospel required that the “laying on of hands,” through the selection of presbyters and bishops, would continue to happen, and that they would continue to “stir into flame the gift of God” that they had received through that imposition of hands.
Reminded that they had not received a “spirit of cowardice,” but rather a spirit of “power and love and self-control.”
Clearly, this early church had its problems and tensions and was in much need of support and encouragement.
And the potential for falling away from the truth they had received was a big threat.
Clearly, they had to be reminded that they had to continue to “set right what remains to be done”; and in such personal and brotherly terms, that was the point of these pastoral letters.
For as Psalm 96 makes clear today, they were to “proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations” — a major and all-consuming task.
Paul, almost as though it were a medal on his chest or a star sewn into the cloak that he wore, proudly proclaims that he was “a prisoner for his sake”; that is, a prisoner because he dared to proclaim that Gospel message to everyone, everywhere!
And nothing could deter him!
+ Jesus made it quite clear also; all were to become a light in a lampstand that would give light to all, everywhere and always.
No, this light could not be placed and hidden under a bed.
No! It must be placed in that lampstand where its light would enlighten everyone and everything, always!
And because Jesus was always concerned that all would see and hear with the eyes and ears of the heart, he reiterated: “Anyone who has ears ought to hear” and they should “take care what you [they] hear.”
Father Perry D. Leiker is the 13th pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church. Reach him at (323) 255-6142. Email Father Perry at pleiker@stbernard-church.com. Follow Father Perry on Twitter: @MrDeano76.
