5th Week of Easter – Saturday C

Published on 23 May 2025 at 13:07

Today, as we dedicate our Saturday to honouring our Blessed Mother, let us reflect on how the readings and the example of Saint Timothy guide us closer to her loving and faithful heart.

In the first reading from Acts 16, we encounter Timothy, a young disciple whose faith and openness drew him into the mission of spreading the Gospel. His mother was a believing Jewish woman, and his father was Greek—an example of a family of diverse backgrounds yet united in faith. Timothy’s openness to the call of Christ and his willingness to follow Paul exemplify the disciple’s journey: a journey marked by trust, courage, and obedience. Paul’s desire to bring Timothy along on their travels indicates to us that Paul saw something very special in him and it also illustrates the importance of mentorship in our lives, having someone who can encourage us to say yes to God notwithstanding any difficulties that may arise so as to remain steadfast in our openness to his call. This beautifully mirrors the nurturing and guiding love of our Blessed Mother who has always, within her  vocation as our Heavenly Mother, accompanied us with tenderness and mercy.

Saint Timothy's familial and apostolic story and our Blessed Mother’s deep love for us, remind us that faith is a journey that begins within the community, in our communion with the apostles and saints, but also within our very families at home. The faith of Timothy’s mother, combined with his openness to the Gospel, shows how maternal influence and faith nurture new disciples. I have to say that in my own case, had it not been for my mother’s courageous love, our family would have fallen apart. Just as Timothy was strengthened in his faith, we too are called to nurture our own faith and that of others, especially through prayer, community, and a genuine openness to God's will.

In the Gospel reading (John 15:18-21), Jesus prepares His disciples for the challenges they will face. He warns them that following Him may lead to opposition and suffering because their allegiance is to Him, not to the world. Yet, He also offers reassurance: “Remember the word I spoke to you, ‘No slave is greater than his master.’” Our Lord’s words call us to emulate His courage and steadfastness, even when facing difficulties.

So, how can these readings help us draw closer to our Blessed Mother?

Firstly, by embracing the faith of our mothers and our spiritual mothers—the women who nurture us in faith, much like Timothy’s mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5). We emulate their prayer life. On this note, a visitor to this website communicated to us that her mother taught her this beautiful prayer: “Vieni, vieni Spirito Santo, vieni e per la potente intercessione di Maria, tua sposa amatissima, illumina la mia mente, infiamma il mio cuore e distruggi in esso tutto ciò che ti addolora. English; Come, come Holy Spirit, come and through the powerful intercession of Mary, your well-beloved Spouse, illuminate my mind, set my heart on fire, and destory within me anything at all that grieves you" (1).  The example of these great mothers teach us that faith is passed down through love, prayer, and steadfastness. Let us allow our Blessed Mother’s example to always be a light for our path. 

Secondly, by adopting the courage exemplified by saints Paul and Timothy. Just as Timothy was called to give witness in difficult circumstances, we are called to stand firm in our faith, especially when the world opposes us. Our Blessed Mother’s life is a perfect example of this courage—her “yes” to God at the Annunciation, notwithstanding the hostility she would later receive from her own family and peers, and her unwavering presence at the foot of the Cross, are all edifying examples to us of what true love for Christ looks like.

Finally, by recognizing that our discipleship is part of a greater mission—one that requires us to trust in God's plan, listen to His Spirit, and be willing to go where He sends us. Again, like Paul and Timothy, we are called to be witnesses of Christ’s love, even amid opposition and hardship.

As we honour our Blessed Mother today, let us imitate her faith and courage. Let us entrust ourselves to her maternal guidance, asking her to help us grow in trust, in love for Jesus, and in boldness to proclaim the Gospel. May her example inspire us to be faithful disciples, unafraid of the challenges ahead, knowing that we are never alone—just as Timothy was supported by the faith of his mother and community.

In closing, let us pray:
Hail Mary, Mother of the Church, Full of Grace and our Mother, guide us in faith and courage. Help us to follow your Son faithfully, even when the world opposes us. Strengthen us through your maternal love, so that we may become bold witnesses of the Gospel, sharing your Son’s love with all we meet. Amen.

Through the intercession of the Queen of Heaven, may you be blessed this day: in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

1. A prayer Simona's mother taught her from a very early age. 


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Simona
2 months ago

My mother too played a huge role in shaping my faith as I was growing up, taking me to daily Mass and teaching me how to pray the rosary, showing me how to love the poorest of the poor, taking homeless people to our table and helping the sick.
She also taught me a very powerful prayer when I was little that I passed on to my little ones in Italian:
“Vieni, vieni Spirito Santo, vieni e per la potente intercessione di Maria, tua sposa amatissima,
illumina la mia mente, infiamma il mio cuore e distruggi in esso tutto ciò che ti addolora”. I thank her for her guidance and I thank our heavenly Mother for being so present with Jesus in our life.
Beautiful and encouraging words!

franciscanpreacher.com
2 months ago

That's beautiful Simona! For the same reason my mother is such a pillar for our family. And the prayer is so beautiful I will add a translation to the original homily! Thanks to your mom!