Timothy and TitusOne of the factors of modern life is collaboration. Most men and women and even our young people seem to be burdened by very busy lives, not enough time to change one's mind! We need to rely upon the assistance and cooperation of others to accomplish much of the good that our skills can bring about. Especially true is the need for folks to help in their parishes.St. Paul depended upon the collaboration of others to accomplish much of his mission ... being in prison, at sea and traveling by foot and horse so often. Timothy and Titus were among his co-workers.Like parish volunteers, Timothy and Titus did so much good for others in the name of God. Through them Paul continued to spread the good news. Through volunteers a parish comes to life: without volunteers a parish dwindles into dullness.Volunteers -- not just those who labor as additional hard workers -- but those who take time to learn and teach are dedicated workers. There are so many different types of work.In our world, indeed even in our Catholic Church, there are the challenges of our contemporary culture that try to have us keep our faith to ourselves. The gospel today [Luke 10:1-9] is an excellent reminder to us that we are to proclaim the Good News to others.Titus and Timothy are reminders to us that "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few." As a consequence, then, should we not be asking, "And how can I be like them, reaching out with the greatest gift one can give to another .... an invitation to know Jesus Christ.
