Monday, January 30, 2012

Faith of Eunice and Lois is the base of Timothy’s Triumphant Mission


2. Timothy  Ch. 1:3-7


Faith of Eunice and Lois is the base of Timothy’s Triumphant Mission
Ø Faith and Prayer of our Mothers is the Dynamic Power.
Ø Responsible parents should be a model for Children

          Today’s our mediation text is the opening statement of what is entitled Paul's second letter to Timothy. Paul had written his second letter to timothy while he was in Rome. This is the kind of greeting with which most Pauline letters open. Apostle’s Paul’s main aim was to instruct timothy with regard to the heresies that were multiplying around and within the church, and to encourage him in the midst of all the trials which would come up on him as a Christian and as an official of the church.  These verses begin with an expression of gratitude for Timothy's faith.
The theme of remembering is strong in these verses, as Paul remembers Timothy's faith and urges him to both remember it and teach it. This is not a casual recall of past information, but the recollection of meaningful stories that have shaped personal and communal identity.
          The past is made alive and powerful for the present so that it can shape the future. There is intense emotion connected to this act of remembering. Paul prays for Timothy constantly, remembering his tears and longing to see him. Memory and prayer are connected. As Paul remembers Timothy's tears, praying for him constantly, he stands with him, sharing in his suffering before God. He is also described as having a stable faith that goes back to his ancestors. Elsewhere in the Pauline letters, the disconnect between Paul's Jewish past and his Christian faith is emphasized (Gal 2:15-21; Phil 3:4-9). Here the author stresses the stability and the antiquity of Paul's faith and the importance of the Christian household in assuring the transmission of the truth faith.
Paul in vs. 3 reminds Timothy about the sincere and unqualified faith of his mother, Eunice and grandmother, Lois that laid the base for Timothy’s faith. In fact Paul reminds timothy that he recognizes the gift of God that timothy had was not just because of the laying of hands during his ordination but also due to the faith that laid the foundation by his mother and grand mother. The life of a mother is considered as a high level of spirituality. It is entirely different from the spirituality that men experience. Parent’s life and prayers will challenge their children. The tears of the mothers and suggestions of fathers become a dynamic driving force. As mother in training a child is the most creative effort of a woman.  Her task is similar to an artist that shapes a sculpture. She has to do the task of transforming a child into a person by giving constant care and love.
          Every person has a similar memory to recall about the faith of one’s mother in their life. The Hannah’s prayer and dedication led to the birth of Samuel and victory of his ministry. Faithful life and prayer of Elizabeth and the righteous of Zachariah before God is led the birth if John the Baptist. The transformation of the church father Augustine was influenced by the faith and prayer of his mother Monica. But as part of the patriarchal society, we too are reluctant to recognize the role, encouragement of women.  Influenced by the dualistic pattern, our theology too is intoxicated with patriarchal nuances. We often remember the church fathers who participated in formulating the theological doctrines in the church councils but we forget or hesitant to remember the contribution of many women in our lives.
          From the biblical passage we saw the great transformation caused by women in the life of Timothy. Though women are traditionally branded as weak and vulnerable, here their faith, as Paul mentioned, is sincere and strong.  It had resulted in the formation of a great leader and a bishop. Does our faith make any change in others? Does our faith cause any transformation in our society? The faith and vision of a simple woman named Agnes who was later fondly called by others as Mother Teresa had resulted in the formation of whole order of Missionaries of Charity. For many of us Faith has become mere museum pieces impotent to make any fruitful result in our society. If we can live as a ‘Membership Christian’ without faith, but not a ‘Fellowship Christian’ likes Timothy. So pray for your beloved children, you alone the responsible for their future…!!
Prepared by Lijo.J Edited and posted by. Prasad V Abraham, Valanjavattom
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