Please read the passage before the homily:
If I should have written these opening words to you about the sound words of Jesus Christ, perhaps if you were a recent convert, you would have needed to be reminded of this. Timothy, however, was a long-time associate and co-worker with Paul. As such he would not have needed such a detailed list of warnings and exhortations.
On the other hand, we have these exhortations, and we must take them seriously. We live in a time where disagreements are interpreted in terms of black or white, totally good or totally evil, whereas reality is more often grays and mixed areas.
If a person wants an honest opinion of self, that person should acknowledge the presence of evil and of good in the self. At times we have all run red lights, or acted selfishly, or enriched ourselves at the expense of others.
If we want honest opinions of ourselves, we also would have to admit that we have pursued righteousness, devotion, faith and love. We are good people with failings.
Perhaps we are all like Timothy, faithful over the long haul, not needing to be lectured on behavior. Nevertheless, we are reminded to remain faithful to our youthful faithfulness and grace and to renew within ourselves the teachings and way of life of Christ that alone can guide us according to sound teaching and the noble confession.