mercy and calling

Good morning friends,
Our reading from 2 Timothy has Paul reflecting on the end of his life, which he is convinced is coming soon. Paul is in prison in Rome and seems to have had his first hearing. He is able to face death with a sense of calm because he trusts God and knows he has been faithful to his calling. I love in the second paragraph how Paul talks about God rescuing him from the lion's mouth. Here he means not that God will keep him from physical death, but that God has kept him bold in proclaiming the gospel even in the threat of death. I pray we would have Paul's boldness.

Our reading from Luke reminds us that faithfulness to God isn't about religious rituals but it's about a heart longing for God. The tax collector prays for God's mercy and receives it. God reaches out to all of us with mercy and love. Go and do likewise.

God bless,
Sam

2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

6As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8From 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.

16At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! 17But 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. 18The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.


*Sunday

Luke 18:9-14

9He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.'

13But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' 14I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted."