1 TIMOTHY 1:12-17

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2007

WE ARE WHO WE ARE, NOT WHO WE WERE

12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, 13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:12-17 (NKJV)

The words that St. Paul writes here are important as we read them as printed. However, when we add the reading of the life story of the man who wrote the words, we find even greater meaning. The great leadership of St. Paul, his many writings, his missionary journeys, and his imprisonment are so important that it is easy to forget who he was.

Before his conversion on the Road to Damascus, he was known as Saul of Tarsus. He was the one who consented to the stoning of Stephen. He had obtained permission to go and destroy all of the followers of Jesus. He was on the trip to carry out that mission when he was struck down and blinded on the Road to Damascus.

Having that information makes the words of verses 15 and 16 even more meaningful. “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. “

If you have ever said, I’m not good enough to go to church or to receive the Sacraments, LISTEN TO ST. PAUL.

If you have ever said that your life is such a mess that you have no hope for heaven, LISTEN TO ST. PAUL.

If you feel that you have done something for which you can never be forgiven, LISTEN TO ST. PAUL.

No matter who you are, no matter what you have done, let St. Paul remind you that in Christ, receiving His forgiveness, WE ARE WHO WE ARE, NOT WHO WE WERE!

WE PRAY: Lord, let us not look back in guilt and sorrow to what we were; instead help us to look forward with freedom and joy to what we can be. AMEN

A SUGGESTION FOR LIVING THE DEVOTION

I often suggest reading. If you have not yet read one of the biography type books about St. Paul, do so. His life can be inspiring.