I will walk with a blameless heart.

 

Scripture readings for this reflection can be found at Tuesday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB

In our first reading for today from St. Paul’s letter to Timothy. Paul is explaining very clearly the responsibilities of those called to being bishops and deacons in the church. Of bishops Paul says they must be temperate, self-controlled, decent, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not aggressive, but gentle… In other words, the bishop must live out his life in imitation of Christ. He needs to be humbled and self-controlled. He must be a visible example of Christ in his position as bishop.

St. Augustine once said, “The day I became a bishop, a burden was laid on my shoulders for which it will be no easy task to render an account.” St.  Augustine, familiar with the words of St. Paul to Timothy, knew that he must lead those Christians in his care towards Christ. He must be kind and not aggressive.

St. Augustine also said, “I must distinguish carefully between two aspects of the role the Lord has given me, a role that demands rigorous accountability.” Augustine would go on to say, “I am a Christian is to my own advantage, but I am a leader for your advantage.” He knew those Christians in his care would turn to him for guidance to lead them to follow Christ more faithfully. As bishop, he knew that he must be ready to clearly explain what it means to be a follower of Christ.

Today we commemorate the feast of St. Januarius. who was a bishop and martyr, in Naples. St. Januarius was martyred by the Emperor Diocletian’s persecution of 305. He lived out his call as Bishop and Christian by remaining strong in his faith in Jesus Christ.  Rather than deny his faith in Jesus Christ, Januarius chose to die for this faith in the Lord. He was first thrown to the wild beast, and then eventually beheaded. St. Januarius knew the words of St. Paul well of being self-controlled. He remained strong in his faith as a follower of Jesus Christ.

St. Paul’s letter goes on to teach us further that whatever place we are in the Church, whether a deacon or women of faith, we are to attempt to live out our lives as Christians by loving God and loving our neighbors. We are all called to be living examples of what it means to be Christian. We are to be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in everything.

By living out our lives in this way, others will see that we are faithful Christians, and we can hope to lead them as well to a life in relationship with Christ.