be a titus
"Titus, my own true child." —Titus 1:4
St. Titus the apostle is seen in the New Testament as one who brings peace and unity. Titus accompanied Paul to Jerusalem (Gal 2:1) when Paul had a council with the Jewish apostles for the purpose of submitting his preaching content "for their scrutiny" (Gal 2:2). Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles, and Titus, one of Paul's Gentile converts to Christianity, was living proof of the fruit of Paul's ministry (Gal 2:3). Titus' living faith was a witness to the Jerusalem apostles, who stood united with Paul, approved him, and re-commissioned him to "go to the Gentiles" (Gal 2:9).
Paul wrote a severe letter of correction to the young Christians at Corinth. Because this was an explosive situation, Paul chose Titus, the man of peace and unity, to deliver this letter in person to Corinth. After Titus departed, Paul grew anxious for news of the impact of his letter. Paul couldn't minister to the people of Troas, despite an "open door" to preach there, because Titus hadn't returned yet with news (2 Cor 2:12-13). Paul was "low in spirit," but God gave him "strength with the arrival of Titus" (2 Cor 7:6). Titus found joy in the repentance of the Corinthians (2 Cor 7:13) and gave Paul joy by his unifying ministry in Corinth. Titus' heart embraced the Corinthians with an expanding love (2 Cor 7:15). No wonder Paul sent Titus to make peace. Blessed are the peacemakers (Mt 5:9).
Prayer: Father, make me an instrument of Your peace.
Promise: "With the strength which comes from God bear your share of the hardship which the gospel entails." —2 Tm 1:8
Praise: St. Titus had a great love for the poor. With eagerness and zeal, he traveled from church to church to collect money so the poor of Jerusalem could have sufficient food (2 Cor 8:16-17).
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by one of our editors.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert A. Stricker, June 23, 2003
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 26, 2003