The Good Fight

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - 2nd Timothy 4:7

Aren't these amazing words to be able to say when facing one's own death? After years and years of toil, journey, and persecution, Saint Paul was able to say that he ran his race in confidence and kept the faith in Jesus Christ. He was about to be put to death but he knew that he would receive the "crown of righteousness (2nd Timothy 4:8)" that awaits all believers. This is why Pope Benedict has declared June 2008-June 2009 the Year of Saint Paul. Not only do we celebrate the 2000th anniversary of his birth, but we recognize the heroic efforts of a man, who at the end of the day, is just like us. Paul persecuted the Christians, and don't we too sometimes turn our back on our faith or mock those who are strong believers? Paul struggled with his temper and got into arguments with other believers, and don't we do the same? But through the years because Paul "fought the good fight," God ironed out all of those imperfections and has raised Paul up to be one of the pillars of our faith. And this isn't something just reserved for Paul, but for all of us who day after day try to reach that finish line. From Acts of Apostles through the letter to the Hebrews, we have evidence of Paul's efforts and influence so that we can read these works and be inspired by his faith in Christ.

Today's Prayer:
God, You walked with Saint Paul all the days of his life, from the moments he caused pain to your faithful, through all of his own persecutions for Your sake, and to his death in Rome. Look at our weak nature and enable us to persevere in the faith as You did with Paul. In Jesus' Name we pray, amen.