2 Timothy 1:1-8 / Luke 10:1-9
When Cardinal Karol Józef Wojtyła was elected Pope in 1978, he took on the name John Paul II.
He also had something peculiar in the design on his coat of arms.
Besides the usual emblem of the cross, there is the unmistakable blue-coloured letter M on the lower half of the shield.
In doing so, Pope John Paul II made a public demonstration of his devotion to Mary and of his constant need for her intercession.
Indeed the faith of Mary and of her intercession, as well as that of other women in the Bible, had been a pillar of strength in the Church.
In today's 1st reading, we hear of St. Paul affirming the faith of two women - Lois who was Timothy's grandmother, and Eunice who was Timothy's mother.
It was these two women who sowed the seeds of faith in Timothy.
In the current situation of the shortage of vocations to the priesthood and the religious life, the role of women in the family and in the Church is highlighted.
If ever someone answers the call of God to serve as a priest or a religious, we can be quite certain that the answer to God's call was most likely influenced by the mother.
It is the faith of the mother that nourished and strengthened the faith of her child in answering God's call.
May mothers find their inspirations and their role model in Mary, who is Mother of the Church, and may their prayers strengthen the faith of the Church.