Blessings to all. "Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well." [Lk. 17:19] . Today's readings speak of healing faith, a faith that embraces gratitude. For we are called to "Rejoice always, (to) pray without ceasing, (to) give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for (us)." [1 Thess. 5:16-8] Today's Second Reading from the Second Letter of Paul to Timothy begins by saying, "Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David." [2 Tim. 2:8] The reason as to why St. Paul said that Jesus was a descendant of David, it was to emphasize the Messianic Kingship of Christ. [Rom. 1:3]
Paul continued by saying, ".. I suffer hardship, even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained." [2 Tim. 2:9] Through these words, Paul was telling those who would read his letter that although he is a prisoner, he can still preach the Word of God. The Good News can be delivered within the prison and to those outside from within the prison.
Not only has Paul's suffering encouraged him even more to persevere in preaching the Word of God, it has also motivated others to also do so. We read of this is the Letter of Paul to the Philippians. "I want you to know, beloved, that what has happened to me has actually helped to spread the Gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to everyone else that my imprisonment is for Christ; and most of the brothers and sisters, having been made confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, dare to speak the word with greater boldness and without fear." [Phil 1:12- 14]
Because of this marvellous end result, St. Paul was even more determined to persevere for the sake of those who have been called and who have answered their calling from God, so that they may also persevere to the end and obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. [2 Tim. 2:10]
Not only was the sufferings of Paul of value to those who had already become Christians, it was also of value to those who had not yet converted. [Col. 1:24; 2 Cor. 1:5-6]
Today's Second Reading concluded by saying, "The saying is sure: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful - for he cannot deny himself." [2 Tim. 2:11-13]. Our perseverance in the living faith, in whatever the Lord God permits to come our way for our sanctification, will be our assurance of salvation. Our perseverance is one of the many ways of saying thanks to God for what He has given us. Because we believed, we obey Jesus. Because we obey Jesus in complete submission, we endure the trials that cross our daily path. Because we endure, in the end, our faith shall make us well." [Lk. 17:19]
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