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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