Tag: a Sincere Faith

Leading and Serving with Pure, Genuine, and Faithful Love (Mon. Dec. 13)

· Fr. Basil
The word of the day is “love.” In our reading of 1 Timothy 1:1-7, Paul instructs Timothy, the young Bishop of Ephesus, on the pastoral leadership and care of his flock (OSB “Introduction to 1 Timothy”).  He states the purpose that he wants his teaching to accomplish (Strong’s #5056). Thus he writes “Now the purpose of the commandment [my instruction] is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith” (OSB vs. 5).  Though directed at church leadership, we can apply this same counsel to our calling of ministry in our own relationships. The Purpose of the Directives Paul begins with the “purpose” of the directives of his letter (vs. 5).  Note what he is concerned about.  He doesn’t mention…

Pure, Good, and Sincere (Mon. Nov. 30)

· Fr. Basil
The word of the day is “purpose.”  In our reading of 1 Timothy 1:1-7, St. Paul teaches the intent of his instruction about pastoral leadership in the Church.  He states, “Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith (vs. 5). We speak of “commandments” to refer to the Ten Commandments or the entire Law of Moses.  But in our reading, Paul speaks of “the commandment.” The word that Paul uses refers to the direction that a superior gives to his or her followers.  This term expresses the reason for Paul’s epistle to Timothy.  In tone and content, it instructs Timothy, the young Bishop of Ephesus, on the pastoral…