The Holy Martyrs Carpus, Papylas and Agathonicus (249-51)
Philippians 2:16-23; Luke 6:37-45
Read Philippians 2:16-23
It was not always possible for Paul to visit every community to whom he sent a letter at the time the community desired him to visit, and so, Paul would send his coworkers or co-labourers, such as Timothy, who Paul trusted and had the utmost confidence in to deliver a message as directed or to acquire pertinent information about the particular community of believers.
Paul’s confidence and trust in Timothy stemmed from Timothy’s total dedication to Jesus Christ and spreading the message of the Gospel. Timothy was not consumed with selfish ambition nor did he complete his apostolic work for personal gain. Timothy cared for those to whom he was sent and was of one mind with Paul in the present task. Timothy sought not his own, but rather, he sought the things of Christ Jesus.
Selfish ambition and the desire for personal gain are diseases that infect many of the faithful, clergy included. Fallen man desires temporal success and widespread acclamation. If these are the goals, then Christ is forgotten. If Christ is forgotten, then the Gospel becomes secondary. If the Gospel is secondary, then we are no longer apostles but rather slaves to human passions.