The majority of our time as preachers is spent on remembering. I do not mean remembering facts for Bible trivia, or remembering where we put our car keys. It is a different kind of remembering that we do.

Remembrance is the lens through which God invites us toward an active, vibrant hope. While we may encourage our parishioners to look forward, the reality is that we are able to do so because God has been faithful and true in the past. But the preacher provides context for this; she or he sets the stage for the people to exercise memory, takes them on a journey toward seeing traces of the divine in and around their lives, and even teaches some critical skills for looking back healthily.

The Apostle Paul is one of many in Scripture that captures this very practice. In his last letter to Timothy, his apprentice and spiritual son, Paul sets out to encourage and prepare him for what is to come. The future is grim. Paul is in prison, the Church is facing opposition (including from so-called Christians), and Timothy is grappling with staying true under pressure. So, Paul’s strategy begins recalling an ancient link: “I serve as my ancestors did…” (2 Timothy 1:3). Doing so, he teaches Timothy that he’s no lone wolf in ministry; Paul’s work has been a direct continuation of something already begun by God through his ancestors and Timothy belongs to this long line of faithful women and men.

Paul not only encouraged Timothy to embrace this ancient legacy, he also remembered Timothy for who he is and the kinship they shared. “I constantly remember you in my prayers…recalling your tears…” (1:3a-4). Hence, Paul “sees” Timothy by acknowledging his pain, his struggles and the mountain-like barriers he was facing. He also “heard” Timothy. His cries are recorded in Paul’s memory.

It is a powerful thing when preachers can speak into the younger generations, recognizing and naming their conditions: climate change, mental health issues, gun violence, racism, anti-immigrant legislation, loneliness, etc. Paul did not ignore, minimize nor ridicule Timothy. Even less did he flaunt his own faith, hardships, or successes. To see and hear others this way is to value the image of God in a person’s life and their gifts. Intergenerational alliances like this one are key to assuring that no one walks alone.

Paul moves to remind Timothy of the strong root system he possesses through powerful women: “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” (1:5). By noticing the traces of his grandmother and mother in him, Timothy can thrive in strong, firm footing.

Not everyone can, like Timothy, claim they are, say, a third generation “Disciple.” We have many people (including ourselves?) in our sacred spaces who don’t have faithful mentors in their families. Yet ancient wisdom teaches discernment into who are good role models (see Psalm 78:8). If we can encourage people to look back and look well, chances are they will find extraordinary ancestors, related by blood or not.

There is usually a great disconnect between us and the past. Some simply do not see value in looking back as it represents too much pain and loss. Conversely, others yearn its glories; change breeds fear and loss of control. Perhaps you see yourself in one of these categories. Yet in the ministry of remembrance, God is the inviter. How would you receive Paul’s encouragement as a Timothy today? May we come trustingly and explore the riches of a history with potential to set us free and on fire for a hope and a future no matter how grim things are.

Published in the February 2025 issue of For the Messengers

Rev. Dr. Esther Robles is an ordained minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the US and Canada. She currently serves as Education Coordinator for the Obra Hispana and Assistant Pastor for Hispanic Ministries at First United Church of Tampa (UCC). Her Doctor of Ministry studies led her towards an enriching exploration in discipleship through the lens of spiritual ancestors.

You might also find helpful:

• The Ministry of Remembrance (Spanish) — the Spanish-language edition of this article
• The Word Becomes Flesh then Word Again…then Flesh Again — a theological reflection on how the past Word becomes embodied proclamation in the present church
• Characteristics of Disciples Preaching — a grounding in the communal and theological identity that shapes how Disciples preachers remember and proclaim