Today’s Saint

Daily Journey with the Saints


January 26 | Passing On Faith

Saint Timothy

A.D. 17–97



There is a beautiful and mysterious passage in the Talmud that says, “Every blade of grass has an angel that bends over it and whispers, 'Grow, grow.’” 

These words remind us of the gift and burden of parenthood. Parents have an irreplaceable influence over how their children grow, and what they will grow up to be. And they have an irreplaceable influence on the Church. If they raise children enthusiastic about the faith, the Church will flourish. If they raise children indifferent about the faith because they were never shown the genius of Catholicism, the Church will dwindle.

Parents often wonder what type of world their children will grow up to inhabit. We can answer like this: “Tell me about the parents of today, and I will tell you about the future. Tell me about what parents value, and I will tell you about the future.”

Saint Timothy had a mother and grandmother who, working with God, made it possible for him to become a saint. His mother was named Eunice and his grandmother was named Lois. They were both devout Jews living in modern-day Turkey, and they took great care to teach Timothy the faith of their ancestors, even though Timothy’s father was not Jewish.

Saint Paul writes the following to Timothy about his upbringing: “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” (2 Timothy 1:5)

The future passes by way of parents and mentors. It was always thus, and always thus will be. 

Who passed down the faith to you? Was it your parents, a mentor figure, or a friend you looked up to? Whoever it was, take a moment today to reach out and thank them.



Who played the most significant role in your life in passing down the faith to you? How can you let them know how thankful you are?

I will pass down the gift of the faith to others.


This reflection is brought to you from book title.


Feast Day: January 26

Feast Day Shared By: Saint Paula and Saint Titus

Patron Saint of: Stomach and Intestinal Disorders

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