On the Feast of Saints Timothy and Titus, the Local Ordinary of Rustenburg Diocese invited bishops to reflect on their shared vocation and ministry.

Presiding at the Eucharist, Bishop Robert Mphiwe drew deeply from the relationship between St Paul and the young bishops Timothy and Titus, presenting it as a model for episcopal leadership, spiritual friendship, and communion among bishops.

A model of episcopal friendship

In his homily, Bishop Mphiwe highlighted the profound bond between Paul, Timothy, and Titus — a relationship marked not by hierarchy alone, but by deep personal affection, mutual respect, and shared suffering. Paul, he noted, did not regard Timothy and Titus merely as disciples or protégés, but as spiritual sons, addressing them with paternal warmth as “beloved” and “true children in the faith”.

Their friendship, Bishop Mphiwe observed, was rooted first in love for Christ, and secondly in their common vocation and ministry. Even when separated by mission, they longed for one another’s presence, revealing a genuine fraternity that went beyond functional collaboration.

A call to closeness among bishops

Turning to the present context, Bishop Mphiwe challenged the bishops to ask themselves: How close are we to one another? While bishops are constantly reminded of their duty to be close to their priests, he reflected honestly on the often-overlooked need for friendship among bishops themselves.

Citing Pope Francis, who once said that “a priest is the closest neighbour of the bishop”, Bishop Mphiwe acknowledged that priests sometimes prefer distance, leaving bishops feeling isolated. This reality, he suggested, calls bishops to turn towards one another in fraternity, especially amid disagreements, pastoral differences, and leadership challenges.

“Despite differences,” he said, “we are still called to be one,” urging the bishops to strengthen what unites them first — their shared love for Christ and their common ministry — and to guard against threats to unity such as power, control, and popularity.

Leadership shaped by humility and service

Reflecting further on Paul’s leadership, Bishop Mphiwe emphasised how the Apostle entrusted Timothy and Titus with demanding and delicate missions, treating them as co-workers rather than subordinates. Paul publicly affirmed their character and pastoral care, offering a model of leadership that empowers rather than diminishes.

Drawing from his own experience as a young bishop, Bishop Mphiwe expressed gratitude for the respect, attentiveness, and fraternity he has encountered among his brother bishops, particularly from senior members of the Conference. He prayed that this spirit of mutual respect would continue to grow as a sign of partnership in the mission of Christ.

Sharing suffering, not walking alone

A central theme of the homily was suffering and vulnerability in ministry. Bishop Mphiwe reflected on how Paul, shaped by his own trials, encouraged Timothy not to be ashamed of the Gospel or of suffering, reminding him that God gives not a spirit of timidity, but one of courage and strength through the Holy Spirit.

Acknowledging the heavy demands placed on bishops, Bishop Mphiwe spoke candidly about moments of frustration, inadequacy, and discouragement, when leaders are most vulnerable to isolation. In such moments, he stressed, bishops are called to be the first to reach out to one another, recognising that no one can carry the burden of ministry alone.

“We do not need friends who provide answers,” he said, “but friends who remain close during difficult times.”

A shared mission that bears witness to peace

Concluding his homily, Bishop Mphiwe reminded the bishops that the work of the Gospel is never a one-man mission. Drawing on the Gospel image of Jesus sending the disciples out two by two, he emphasised that walking together is essential not only for effectiveness, but for spiritual safety and credibility.

In a divided and often hostile world, the collaboration of bishops across dioceses and boundaries becomes a visible witness of peace and communion, lending credibility to the proclamation that “the Kingdom of God is among you.”

As the bishops continue their plenary deliberations, they were encouraged to remember that the Lord sends them first as brothers, and then as leaders — called to love, support, and walk alongside one another in service of the Church entrusted to their care.

The Mass was concelebrated by Bishop Masilo John Selemela and Fr Gabriel L. Afagbegee SVD, with Sr Inosensia Pati SSpS proclaiming the Word.