I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you.” vs. 5
2 Timothy 1:1-5
Paul had encountered Timothy when he visited the city of Lystra on his first missionary journey and he’d been impressed by the strength of his faith. Later, after he and Barnabas had parted company, Paul returned to Lystra with Silas, and asked Timothy to accompany them as they continued their journey through Galatia. Timothy’s father was a Gentile but his mother, Eunice, was a Jew who had learned about Jesus from her mother, Lois. Growing up in that household had given Timothy a strong and lasting faith. Many of us can likely testify to the importance of family testimony in passing on the good news of Jesus. When our mothers and grandmothers are believers the strength of their witness is overwhelming. Of course, family ties are no guarantee the faith will be passed on. We all know instances where children of devout parents wander off to pursue other gods, sometimes because of a kind of natural teenage rebellion. And sometimes they stay away from the Church. But we can never discount the prayers of a grandma or grandpa. When there is also a gentle, loving, and humble spirit, those prayers are highly effective and can spark repentance and a return to faith.
Thought for the Day: How has family built my faith?
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