man has baby!!!
"...Timothy, my own true child in faith." —1 Timothy 1:2
What does it take to make disciples? It takes a spiritual marriage, a pregnancy, labor and delivery, and nurturing.
- Marriage - St. Paul said "I do" to Jesus and was baptized (Acts 9:18). He lived not for himself but out of love for the Lord (see 2 Cor 5:14-15).
- Pregnancy - St. Paul spent his life birthing communities (see Gal 4:19). Like a mother, he carried, fed, and nourished them at the expense of his own health. He shielded them by taking the attacks of the evil one upon himself.
- Labor and delivery - St. Paul had a rough labor in giving birth to Timothy at Lystra. Youthful Timothy would have been stunned to see Paul stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:19). He would have been even more astounded to see Paul painfully rise and return fearlessly into the town to encourage the believers! (Acts 14:20) How could Timothy help but be filled with zeal for the Lord after such a display of courage?
- Nurturing - St. Paul returned to Lystra a second time and brought Timothy on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:1-3). He personally trained and discipled Timothy. Together, they experienced constant Scripture teaching, the life of prayer, and the joy of building God's Church.
Although Timothy caused Paul "labor pains" (Gal 4:19), he brought many to the Lord and gave delight to Paul's heart (see Phil 4:20ff). Be like Paul. "Make" disciples (Mt 28:19).
Prayer: Father, I want to give You a large family. Make me fertile for You.
Promise: "Remove the plank from your own eye first; then you will see clearly enough to remove the speck from your brother's eye." —Lk 6:42
Praise: St. John Chrysostom fathered many spiritual children through the preaching from his "golden mouth."
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 15, 2019
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