For this reason, I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands.
For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.
So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God. (2 Timothy 1:6-8 NABRE)
In their day, the early Christians were seen as malcontents and agitators. They were a small, disruptive group within the Jewish community, itself a small part of the Roman Empire. In today's verse, Saint Paul encourages Timothy, the young administrator of the Christian community they had established at Ephesus.
At times we all need encouragement to stir into flame the gifts God has given us. May we seek the holy Spirit's counsel as we strive for the courage, strength, power, love, self-control, and other graces we need to help others encounter Jesus in a culture that would prefer we cower, ashamed of our faith in Jesus Christ.
Today, I will turn to the Spirit within, left to me by Jesus himself, for direction and courage in my own personal witness to Christ.
Saints Timothy and Titus, bishops, missionaries and companions of Saint Paul, pray for us.
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