St. Timothy's Day

John 10: 1-10

Sunday's gospel lesson, a parable about shepherds and sheep, has been assigned to be read in honor and celebration of St. Timothy, the patron saint of our faith community.  Jesus chose the image of a shepherd to explain his claim to be the true king of Israel.  The sign of the real king is the response that comes from the follower's (sheep's) heart, when people hear his voice and, in love and trust, follow him.  The emphasis is on safety, and the fulfilled life, of the sheep.  The call to Jesus' true sheep is to listen to his voice, and to find in him and him alone the life which is overflowing life indeed.

Timothy is an inspiring model of a follower (sheep) of Jesus the shepherd.  He was a trusted companion of St. Paul.  Although he was young and inexperienced,  Timothy was entrusted with missions and matters that helped form the very life and history of the Church.  Faithfulness, love and devotion to Christ are the hallmarks of St. Timothy's character and his life.

Come to St. Timothy's on Sunday.  Together let's lift our hearts and voices in celebration and thanksgiving, praying that we too, like St. Timothy, may be living stones built upon Jesus Christ our Savior and shepherd.