The second reading on Sunday, the feast of Ss Peter and Paul (in England and Wales), speaks of Paul’s empowerment by the Lord’s grace, and Paul’s offering the free gift of his life to the Lord.
My life is already being poured away as a libation, and the time has come for me to be gone. I have fought the good fight to the end; I have run the race to the finish; I have kept the faith; all there is to come now is the crown of righteousness reserved for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that Day; and not only to me but to all those who have longed for his Appearing.
The Lord stood by me and gave me power, so that through me the whole message might be proclaimed for all the pagans to hear; and so I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from all evil attempts on me, and bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
2 Timothy 4:6-8,17-18
That there might be such reciprocity between God and his creatures – he gives in love, we make return grateful. Reciprocity and a co-operation in mission – the Lord reaches out to us, and renewed we are helped to reach out to others.
- What gifts are you aware of receiving from the Lord?
- How do you make use of them, and for whose benefit?
Icon of St Paul, at Basilica of St Paul outside the walls. (c) 2014, Allen Morris.
Living Eucharist 
Reblogged this on stjohnswoodblog.
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