Being "first in good deeds" to "open the doors of the world to Christ, our Saviour". This is the invitation made "especially at this time of Advent" by the Holy Father at the end of today’s general audience, all focussed on the figures of Timothy and Titus, "close collaborators" of Saint Paul. "If we take these two figures together", said the Pope in the last part of the catechesis, after going over, in the first part, the peculiar traits of the two disciples, "we notice a few very significant details. The most important one is that Paul used collaborators in the accomplishment of his mission". While "he remains the epitome of the apostle", specified the Pontiff, "it is clear however that he did not do everything by himself, but he relied on some trusted people who shared his efforts and responsibilities". Another interesting fact is the "helpfulness of his collaborators": the "sources", highlighted Benedict XVI, "bear witness to their readiness in taking on several tasks" which usually consisted in "representing the Pope in some difficult circumstances" (to be continued).
