29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

In the New Testament, few relationships are as touching and formative as that between St. Paul and his young companion, Timothy. Paul refers to Timothy as his “beloved child” in faith (2 Timothy 1:2), and from their letters, we glimpse a mentorship rooted in love, encouragement, and spiritual growth. Timothy was a convert from Lystra, the son of a Jewish mother and a Greek father, and he accompanied Paul on many missionary journeys. Through trials, imprisonment, and the challenges of ministry, Paul remained a spiritual father to Timothy, guiding him to remain steadfast in the Gospel and faithful to the teachings he had received.

This deep bond shines in Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy, written near the end of his life, when Paul offers both wisdom and warning to his protégé. In this Sunday’s second reading, Paul writes, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17). This passage serves as a cornerstone of the Church’s understanding of Scripture: that the sacred writings are not merely human words about God, but God’s own Word, breathed into human authors through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

The Catechism explains, “God is the author of Sacred Scripture because he inspired its human authors; he acts in them and by means of them” (CCC 136). Every passage of the Bible carries divine authority and purpose. Scripture is “useful for teaching,” forming our minds in truth; “for refutation,” defending against error; “for correction,” guiding us back when we stray; and “for training in righteousness,” shaping our hearts according to the will of God.

Scripture is not meant to sit closed upon a shelf or be reserved for Sunday readings alone. The Word of God is to be prayed with, pondered, and lived. The Catechism urges all the faithful “to learn the surpassing knowledge of Jesus Christ, by frequent reading of the divine Scriptures” (CCC 133). A practical way to do this is through Lectio Divina, the ancient practice of prayerful Scripture reading in four steps: lectio (reading), meditatio (meditation), oratio (prayer), and contemplatio (resting in God’s presence). A quick search will offer many guides on how to pray with Lectio Divina.

We are also encouraged to let the Sunday readings guide the week. Reading the Scriptures before attending Mass helps us hear them with greater attentiveness and openness. Joining a parish Bible study or reading the daily Mass readings (listed weekly in our parish bulletin) are practical ways to grow in understanding.

Ultimately, St. Paul’s words to Timothy remind us that God’s Word is alive, capable of forming us into mature disciples. Just as Timothy learned from his mentor to treasure the sacred writings “from infancy” (2 Timothy 3:15), so too are we called to receive Scripture as a gift that teaches, corrects, and strengthens us.