The Contagious Bonds of Faith and Friendship

January 26, 2012 by Pat Gohn

Continued from Page 1

Both Timothy and Titus caught the faith, and being nurtured and formed by it, taught it and handed it on. And by doing so, they honored both God and their friend who inspired their fledgling faith.

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus . . .To Timothy, my beloved child . . .

I thank God whom I serve . . . when I remember you constantly in my prayers. As I remember your tears, I long night and day to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith . . .

Hence I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; for God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control. Do not be ashamed then of testifying to our Lord . . . who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not in virtue of our works but in virtue of his own purpose and the grace which he gave us in Christ Jesus . . .

Follow the pattern of the sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus; guard the truth that has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. (2 Tim. 1:1-9, 13-14)

When God genuinely brings spiritual friendships together, he always has something bigger that in mind than just benefitting the circle of friends. It could be works of mercy, service to the poor, or some apostolate, project, or vocation that will flow from the flood of blessings He has pooled in the people he has united.

For [Jesus said] where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them (Mt. 18:21).

Indeed, there's no telling what might ignite when interpersonal relationships are caught up in the flames of the Spirit.

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About Pat Gohn

Pat Gohn is a Catholic writer, speaker, and the host of the Among Women Podcast and blog. Her book Blessed, Beautiful and Bodacious: Celebrating the Gift of Catholic Womanhood is published by Ave Maria Press.

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