Do you see how the women too were zealous and fervent in faith, how they too crucified themselves to the world? For this sex is in no way inferior to men, if it so wills. In worldly affairs as well they contribute much to life, since they take upon themselves the management of the household and thereby give their husbands the opportunity to engage in public affairs without hindrance. And in spiritual matters they can advance even more than men—in chastity, holiness, modesty, and fasting. In short, there are no obstacles whatsoever to virtue for the female sex, if they so desire.
2 Tim. 4:21. And all the brethren.
He no longer mentions them by name — so numerous were the believers; he mentions by name only those who were more distinguished, since they had already detached themselves from worldly affairs and were more fervent in spirit.
2 Tim. 4:22. The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Do not grieve, he says, that I am far from you; the Lord is with you. And he did not say: with you, but: "with your spirit." A twofold help: from the grace of the Spirit and from God, who assists it. And in another sense the apostle gives us to understand this: the Lord is with us when we have the Spirit with us and do not drive Him away by wickedness.
2 Tim. 4:22. Grace be with us. Amen.
Finally, he asks grace for himself as well, to always be well-pleasing to God and to have grace from Him. Just as one who sees the king and enjoys his favor feels no sorrow, so we too, even if we lose friends, even if we fall into calamities, will feel no sorrow if grace is with us and protects us. And this cannot be otherwise than if we do what is pleasing to the Lord. Just as in households those servants enjoy the favor of their masters who do what is pleasing to them, so each of us will have grace from the common Master of all if he takes care of what belongs to Him. May His providence over all be fulfilled, to Him be glory forever. Amen.