Comfort for a New Season

A Reflection on the Second Reading for Sunday, June 29th, 2025:
The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul

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2 Timothy
4.6-8, 17-18

​Beloved: I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

The Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Pause. Pray. Reflect.

I read this reading three times before it hits me, “Ahh, I see, God. Thank You.”
 
I am the mother of two young adults, ages 26 and 22. As a family we’ve been through it.  Ups and downs, tears and sadness, betrayal even. It’s been hard. And, beautiful. For 26 years I’ve been a mom, giving my all, doing my best -- most of the time. I see so much growth in both of my kids, on all the levels. They are at the beginning of their lives as adults. They are good humans. Similar to Paul pouring his life into service, I have invested deeply in my children.
 
And, I am tired. It’s no small feat raising children, managing a household, working 40 hours a week and doing all the errands. I am both exhausted just remembering and amazed that I was able to keep up. I've persevered and crossed that parenting finish line -- woot!
But celebration is the last thing on my mind. 
 
You see, I didn’t hide eggs for them this past Easter. “They’re adults,” I thought. “They don’t need that silly tradition.” It turns out, however, that I did. In the several weeks since then, I’ve realized on many occasions that they don’t need me anymore, not daily like they used to. Sure, I get the random call: “Where are the clothes pins? Can you bring home a Sprite?” But need me? No, I don’t see that much, anymore.
 
When I read this scripture, I feel a small thread of connection to Paul and his dedication to the Lord. My faith is thriving, my heart is full of love for Him. I need Him, and He is showing me at the most perfect times that I can dive deep into serving Him. And it is incredibly fulfilling. He asks me only to love and follow Him, to be myself -- and He reveals my gifts. It is in the revealing that I am able to re-energize my spirit. 
 
Sometimes I will feel nostalgic for the days of strollers and training wheels, when a kiss could make it all better, and when we would read stories together for hours. I can embrace those beautiful memories and know that He will guide me through any sadness and longing. In that I have a sense of one chapter closing and another, focused on deeper service to God, beginning. My faith is providing me with comfort and direction for this new season.

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Jacinda Whebby

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