Commentary on the Gospel of
Have you ever heard someone begin a conversation by saying, “Mark my words,” “Listen up and listen carefully,” or “A word to the wise”?
These are verbal cues that we are about to hear something very important and that we should give the speaker our undivided attention, for the words we are about to hear could have a big impact on our life.
In the latter half of today’s second reading from Timothy, we are likewise directed to pay close attention when we read the preamble, “This saying is trustworthy,” for what we are about to hear could have a huge impact on our spiritual life.
The reading continues, “If we have died with him we shall also live with him; if we persevere we shall also reign with him. But if we deny him he will deny us. If we are unfaithful he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.”
These are words of great comfort to me. What do these “trustworthy words” call me to do? What impact do they have on my life? What direction are they leading me?
As Catholics and as Christians, we want to die with Christ, but as the reading aptly points out, to do so, we must first “live with Him.”
When we find time today in our hectic world to reflect upon our lives, can ask ourselves, “Am I truly living with Christ? Is He part of my daily experience, or is He just someone I think about on Sunday at Mass? Am I putting action to my faith, or will it end when I finish this reflection and not start anew until I read tomorrow’s reflection?”
The last sentence is the most powerful for me, because it reaffirms that in spite of my sinfulness and my unfaithful ways, God cannot be unfaithful to his promise to me. God will remain faithful and be there for me – and for you – 24/7. He is always ready to listen to our pleas for forgiveness, our prayers and our petitions.
This realization makes waking up tomorrow wonderful, because I know that God will be there in the morning waiting for me, ready to put his hand on my shoulder and guide me throughout the day.
Peace.
