PRAYER OF THE DAY

PRAYER TO ST. TIMOTHY

A Scriptural Litany

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

God the Father of heaven,

have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world,

God the Holy Ghost,

Holy Trinity, one God,

God, of Whom, by Whom, and in Whom are all things, (Rom. xi. 36.)

God, in Whom we live, and move, and are, (Acts xvii. 28.)

Who alone hast immortality, and dwellest in light inaccessible, (1 Tim. vi. 16.)

Whose majesty filleth the whole earth, (Ps. lxxi. 19.)

Whom heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain, (2 Kin. viii. 27.)

Who hast made all things for Thyself, (Prov. xvi. 4.)

Who workest all things according to the counsel of thy will, (Eph. i. 11)

In Whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the spirit of all flesh, (Job xii. 10.)

Who openest thine hand, and fillest with blessing every living creature, (Ps. cxliv. 16.)

Who hast power to cast body and soul into hell, (Matt. x. 28.)

Who dost great things and unsearchable, and wonderful things without number, (Job v. 9.)

Whose eyes are brighter than the sun, beholding all the ways of men, (Eccl. xxiii. 28.)

Who catchest the wise in their craftiness, and disappointest the counsel of the wicked, (Job v. 13.)

Who searchest the heart, and triest the reins, (Jer. xvii. 10)

Whose judgments are incomprehensible, and whose ways are unsearchable, (Rom. xi. 33.)

Who art the Father of orphans, and the Judge of widows, (Ps. lxvii. 6.)

Merciful and patient, of much compassion, and true, (Ps. lxxxv. 15.)

Our protector, and our reward exceedingly great, (Gen. xv. 1.)

King of kings, and Lord and lords, (1 Tim. vi. 13.)

King of ages, immortal and invisible, (1 Tim. i. 17.)

Be merciful, Spare us, O Lord.

Be merciful, Graciously hear us, O Lord.

From all sin,

O Lord, deliver us.

From pride and vain-glory,

From avarice and worldly solicitude,

From anger, resentment, and envy,

From calumny, detraction, and rash judgment,

From gluttony, drunkenness, and impurity,

From spiritual sloth, and the forgetfulness of our salvation,

From the abuse of thy grace, and a reprobate sense,

From the worm that never dieth, and the fire that shall never be extinguished,

From being deprived of the sight and enjoyment of Thee,

Through Thy almighty power and infinite wisdom,

Through Thy incomprehensible majesty and eternal glory,

Through Thy ineffable bounty and superabundant mercy,

Through all the humiliations and sufferings of thine only-begotten Son,

We sinners, Beseech Thee, hear us.

That we may love Thee,

the Lord our God,

with all our heart,

with all our soul,

and with all our mind.

We beseech Thee, hear us.

That we may adore Thee alone,

and serve Thee in holiness and righteousness all the days of our lives,

That we may never take Thy holy name in vain,

That we may sanctify the feasts and holy day of the Church,

That we may give due honor and obedience to our parents and lawful superiors,

That we may not injure our neighbor in body, soul or peace of mind,

That we may crucify the flesh, with its vices and concupiscences,

and be ever clean of heart,

That we may not do to others what we whould not have others do to us,

That we may not covet our neighbor's goods,

That Thou wouldst make all grace abound in us,

That we may present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to Thee,

That Thou wouldest bring us to the kingdom which Thou hast prepared for us

from the foundation of the world,

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,

Spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,

Graciously hear us, O Lord,

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,

Have mercy on us.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning,

is now and ever shall be world without end.

Amen

Let us pray:

O adorable Lord,

in Three distinct and equal Persons One God,

Who requirest the homage of our reason by the belief of mysteries which are above our understanding,

and that of our will by the observances of precepts which are mortifying to our natural inclinations;

give us Thy grace to perform this two-fold duty,

and grant that we may never oppose our uncertain reasoning to Thy infallible truth,

nor deliberately transgress Thy most high and holy commands.

Thus continuing until death,

in entire subjection to Thee,

may we come at last to the clear and perfect enjoyment of Thee.

Who livest and reignest world without end.

Amen

DAILY MASS READINGS

Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, bishops

Reading

2 TM 1:1-8

Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God

for the promise of life in Christ Jesus,

to Timothy, my dear child:

grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father

and Christ Jesus our Lord.

I am grateful to God,

whom I worship with a clear conscience as my ancestors did,

as I remember you constantly in my prayers, night and day.

I yearn to see you again, recalling your tears,

so that I may be filled with joy,

as I recall your sincere faith

that first lived in your grandmother Lois

and in your mother Eunice

and that I am confident lives also in you.

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.

Or TI 1:1-5

Paul, a slave of God and Apostle of Jesus Christ

for the sake of the faith of God’s chosen ones

and the recognition of religious truth,

in the hope of eternal life

that God, who does not lie, promised before time began,

who indeed at the proper time revealed his word

in the proclamation with which I was entrusted

by the command of God our savior,

to Titus, my true child in our common faith:

grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our savior.

For this reason I left you in Crete

so that you might set right what remains to be done

and appoint presbyters in every town, as I directed you.

Responsorial Psalm

PS 96:1-2A, 2B-3, 7-8A, 10

R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Sing to the LORD a new song;

sing to the LORD, all you lands.

Sing to the LORD; bless his name.

R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Announce his salvation, day after day.

Tell his glory among the nations;

among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.

R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Give to the LORD, you families of nations,

give to the LORD glory and praise;

give to the LORD the glory due his name!

R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Say among the nations: The LORD is king.

He has made the world firm, not to be moved;

he governs the peoples with equity.

R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Gospel

MK 3:20-21

Jesus came with his disciples into the house.

Again the crowd gathered,

making it impossible for them even to eat.

When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him,

for they said, “He is out of his mind.”

SAINT OF THE DAY

January 26

Sts. Timothy and Titus

Timothy (d. 97?): What we know from the New Testament of Timothy’s life makes it sound like that of a modern harried bishop. 
He had the honor of being a fellow apostle with Paul, both sharing the privilege of preaching the gospel and suffering for it.

Timothy had a Greek father and a Jewish mother named Eunice. Being the product of a “mixed” marriage, he was considered illegitimate by the Jews. It was his grandmother, Lois, who first became Christian. Timothy was a convert of Paul around the year 47 and later joined him in his apostolic work. He was with Paul at the founding of the Church in Corinth. During the 15 years he worked with Paul, he became one of his most faithful and trusted friends. He was sent on difficult missions by Paul—
often in the face of great disturbance in local churches which Paul had founded.

Timothy was with Paul in Rome during the latter’s house arrest. At some period Timothy himself was in prison (Hebrews 13:23). 
Paul installed him as his representative at the Church of Ephesus.

Timothy was comparatively young for the work he was doing. (“Let no one have contempt for your youth,” Paul writes in 1 Timothy 4:12a.) Several references seem to indicate that he was timid. And one of Paul’s most frequently quoted lines was addressed to him: 
“Stop drinking only water, but have a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent illnesses” (1 Timothy 5:23).

Titus (d. 94?): Titus has the distinction of being a close friend and disciple of Paul as well as a fellow missionary. He was Greek, apparently from Antioch. Even though Titus was a Gentile, Paul would not let him be forced to undergo circumcision at Jerusalem. Titus is seen as a peacemaker, administrator, great friend. Paul’s second letter to Corinth affords an insight into the depth of his friendship with Titus, and the great fellowship they had in preaching the gospel: “When I went to Troas...I had no relief in my spirit because I did not find my brother Titus. So I took leave of them and went on to Macedonia.... For even when we came into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted in every way—external conflicts, internal fears. But God, who encourages the downcast, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus...” (2 Corinthians 2:12a, 13; 7:5-6).

When Paul was having trouble with the community at Corinth, Titus was the bearer of Paul’s severe letter and was successful in smoothing things out. Paul writes he was strengthened not only by the arrival of Titus but also “by the encouragement with which he was encouraged in regard to you, as he told us of your yearning, your lament, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.... And his heart goes out to you all the more, 
as he remembers the obedience of all of you, when you received him with fear and trembling” (2 Corinthians 7:7a, 15).

The Letter to Titus addresses him as the administrator of the Christian community on the island of Crete, 
charged with organizing it, correcting abuses and appointing presbyter-bishops.

OFFICE OF READINGS

O Lord, open my lips.

And my mouth will proclaim your praise.

Invitatory Psalm

Psalm 23 (24)

Come, let us worship Christ, the prince of shepherds.

– Come, let us worship Christ, the prince of shepherds.

The Lord’s is the earth and its fullness,

the world and all who live in it.

He himself founded it upon the seas

and set it firm over the waters.

– Come, let us worship Christ, the prince of shepherds.

Who will climb the mountain of the Lord?

Who will stand in his holy place?

The one who is innocent of wrongdoing and pure of heart,

who has not given himself to vanities or sworn falsely.

He will receive the blessing of the Lord

and be justified by God his saviour.

This is the way of those who seek him,

seek the face of the God of Jacob.

– Come, let us worship Christ, the prince of shepherds.

Gates, raise your heads. Stand up, eternal doors,

and let the king of glory enter.

Who is the king of glory?

The Lord of might and power.

The Lord, strong in battle.

– Come, let us worship Christ, the prince of shepherds.

Gates, raise your heads. Stand up, eternal doors,

and let the king of glory enter.

Who is the king of glory?

The Lord of hosts

– he is the king of glory.

– Come, let us worship Christ, the prince of shepherds.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end.

Amen.

– Come, let us worship Christ, the prince of shepherds.

Hymn

Immortal, invisible, God only wise,

In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,

Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,

Almighty, victorious, thy great Name we praise.

Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,

Nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;

Thy justice like mountains high soaring above

Thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.

To all life thou givest, to both great and small;

In all life thou livest, the true life of all;

We blossom and flourish, like leaves on the tree,

Then wither and perish; but naught changeth thee.

Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,

Thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;

All laud we would render: O help us to see

‘Tis only the splendour of light hideth thee.

Psalm 135 (136)

A paschal hymn

The Lord alone has wrought marvellous works,

for his love endures for ever.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,

for his love is for ever.

Give thanks to the God of gods,

for his love is for ever.

Give thanks to the Lord of lords,

for his love is for ever.

He alone works wonders,

for his love is for ever.

In his wisdom he made the heavens,

for his love is for ever.

He set the Earth upon the waters,

for his love is for ever.

He created the great lights,

for his love is for ever.

The sun, to rule over the day,

for his love is for ever.

The moon and stars, to rule over the night,

for his love is for ever.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end.

Amen.

The Lord alone has wrought marvellous works,

for his love endures for ever.

Psalm 135 (136)

He brought Israel out from Egypt,

with arm outstretched,

with power in his hand.

He struck down the first-born of Egypt,

for his love is for ever.

He led Israel out from their midst,

for his love is for ever.

With a strong hand and an outstretched arm,

for his love is for ever.

He divided the Red Sea in two,

for his love is for ever.

He led Israel out through the sea,

for his love is for ever.

He overthrew Pharaoh and his army,

for his love is for ever.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end.

Amen.

He brought Israel out from Egypt,

with arm outstretched,

with power in his hand.

Psalm 135 (136)

To the Lord of heaven give thanks:

he set us free from our foes.

He led his people through the wilderness,

for his love is for ever.

He struck down great kings,

for his love is for ever.

Sihon, king of the Amorites,

for his love is for ever.

And Og, the king of Bashan,

for his love is for ever.

He gave their land to his people,

for his love is for ever.

A heritage for Israel his servant,

for his love is for ever.

He remembered us in our affliction,

for his love is for ever.

He rescued us from our enemies,

for his love is for ever.

He gives food to all creatures that live,

for his love is for ever.

Give thanks to the God of heaven,

for his love is for ever.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end.

Amen.

To the Lord of heaven give thanks:

he set us free from our foes.

Lord, show me your ways,

– and teach me your paths.

Reading

Deuteronomy 16:1-17

The feasts of Israel

Observe the month of Abib and celebrate the Passover for the Lord your God, because it was in the month of Abib that the Lord your God brought you out of Egypt by night. You must sacrifice a passover from your flock or herd for the Lord your God in the place where the Lord chooses to give his name a home. You must not eat leavened bread with this; for seven days you must eat it with unleavened bread, the bread of emergency, for it was in great haste that you came out of the land of Egypt; so you will remember, all the days of your life, the day you came out of the land of Egypt. For seven days no leaven must be found in any house throughout your territory, nor must any of the meat that you sacrifice in the evening of the first day be kept overnight until morning. You may not sacrifice the passover in any of the towns that the Lord your God gives you; but only in the place where the Lord your God chooses to give his name a home, there you must sacrifice the passover, in the evening at sunset, at the hour at which you came out of Egypt. You must cook it and eat it in the place the Lord your God chooses, and in the morning you are to return and go to your tents. 
For six days you shall eat unleavened bread; on the seventh day there shall be an assembly for the Lord your God; and you must do no work.

You are to count seven weeks, counting these seven weeks from the time you begin to put your sickle into the standing corn. You must then celebrate the feast of weeks for the Lord your God with the gift of a voluntary offering from your hand in proportion to the way that the Lord your God has blessed you. You must rejoice in the presence of the Lord your God in the place where the Lord your God chooses to give his name a home, you and your son and daughter, your serving men and women, the Levite who lives in your towns, the stranger, 
the orphan and the widow who live among you. Remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and carefully observe these laws.

You must celebrate the feast of Tabernacles for seven days, at the time when you gather in the produce of your threshing-floor and winepress. You must rejoice at your feast, you and your son and daughter, your serving men and women, the Levite, the stranger, the orphan and the widow who live in your towns. For seven days you are to celebrate the feast for the Lord your God in the place the Lord chooses, 
for the Lord your God will bless you in all your harvest and all your handiwork, and you will be filled with joy.

Three times a year all your menfolk are to appear before the Lord your God in the place he chooses: at the feast of Unleavened Bread, at the feast of Weeks, at the feast of Tabernacles. No one must appear before the Lord empty-handed, but every man must give what he can, 
in proportion to the blessing that the Lord your God gives you.

Responsory

You must rejoice at your feast,

you and your son and daughter,

the Levite, the stranger, the orphan and the widow,

and the Lord will bless you,

and you will be filled with joy.

See on the mountains the feet of the herald who brings good tidings,

who proclaims peace!

Keep your feasts, O Judah,

and the Lord will bless you,

and you will be filled with joy.

Reading

From a homily by Saint John Chrysostom, bishop

I have fought the good fight

Though housed in a narrow prison, Paul dwelt in heaven. He accepted beatings and wounds more readily than others reach out for rewards. Sufferings he loved as much as prizes; indeed he regarded them as his prizes, and therefore called them a grace or gift. Reflect on what this means. To depart and be with Christ was certainly a reward, while remaining in the flesh meant struggle. 
Yet such was his longing for Christ that he wanted to defer his reward and remain amid the fight; those were his priorities.

Now, to be separated from the company of Christ meant struggle and pain for Paul; in fact, it was a greater affliction than any struggle or pain would be. On the other hand, to be with Christ was a matchless reward. Yet, for the sake of Christ, Paul chose the separation.

But, you may say: “Because of Christ, Paul found all this pleasant.” I cannot deny that, for he derived intense pleasure from what saddens us. I need not think only of perils and hardships. It was true even of the intense sorrow that made him cry out: 
Who is weak that I do not share the weakness? Who is scandalised that I am not consumed with indignation?

I urge you not simply to admire but also to imitate this splendid example of virtue, for, if we do, we can share his crown as well.

Are you surprised at my saying that if you have Paul’s merits, you will share that same reward? Then listen to Paul himself: I have fought the good fight, I have run the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth a crown of justice awaits me, and the Lord, who is a just judge, 
will give it to me on that day – and not to me alone, but to those who desire his coming. You see how he calls all to share the same glory?

Now, since the same crown of glory is offered to all, let us eagerly strive to become worthy of these promised blessings.

In thinking of Paul we should not consider only his noble and lofty virtues or the strong and ready will that disposed him for such great graces. We should also realise that he shares our nature in every respect. If we do, then even what is very difficult will seem to us easy and light; we shall work hard during the short time we have on earth and someday we shall wear the incorruptible, immortal crown. 
This we shall do by the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom all glory and power belongs now and always through endless ages. Amen.

Responsory

As a man dedicated to God,

you must aim to be saintly and religious,

filled with faith and love, patient and gentle.

Fight the good fight of the faith and win for yourself eternal life.

What you preach must be in keeping with wholesome doctrine.

Fight the good fight of the faith and win for yourself eternal life.

Let us pray.

Almighty God,

you endowed Saint Timothy and Saint Titus with power to preach your word.

Grant that, living a life of integrity and holiness in this world,

we may, through their prayers, come to our true home in heaven.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

– Thanks be to God.