The second reading this Sunday is very important. We read what St. Paul wrote to Timothy, “Beloved: I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but to all who have longed for his appearance”. The first line got my attention. I wondered what it means to say ‘poured out like a libation.’ So I checked the meaning of the word ‘libation.’ It means a drink, beverage, brew and alcoholic drink, etc.; but that’s not what Paul tells us it means. Paul tells us it means a drink poured out as an offering to a deity. The "drink offering" refers to a cup of wine a Jewish priest poured out beside the altar following the offering of a ram, lamb, or bull in the temple (Numbers 15:1–10; 28:4–7). Just as the drink offering symbolized the end of the offering, Paul's life was about to come to an end. He is writing these words under Roman imprisonment and expects to be executed before too long. Paul has already made one courtroom appearance during this imprisonment (2 Timothy 4:16) but does not expect to be given another opportunity.
From the moment that he encountered the risen, ascended, glorified Lord Jesus, this man became an ardent follower of the Christ. He was humbled by the encounter, on the road to Damascus, and committed himself to life-long surrender, under the Lordship of Jesus. But Paul also learned that the Christian life is a spiritual battle and a continuous struggle against evil.
Paul recognized the grace of God, that had been extended to him, despite his impassioned persecution of the Christian Church, and he labored for the gospel more fervently than any of his fellow apostles. He was beaten with rods, lashed with whips, stoned by angry crowds and imprisoned time and again. Paul was even in danger of being shipwrecked while being held captive, onboard a Rome's vessel.
Paul had also been in danger from rivers, from robbers, from his fellow Jews and from pagan Gentiles, which he recognized as spiritual attacks from the enemy of the Lord. He had survived dangers in the city, hazards in the wilderness and perils on the sea.
He had faced hostility from evil men, apostate teachers, and false brethren. The apostle Paul suffered much hatred from his enemies, causing him many hardships, sleepless nights, hunger and thirst, heat exhaustion and cold exposure, together with external hazards and internal pressures.
Paul had learned that living a spiritual life and maturing in the Christian faith, did not depend on his own ability, wisdom, intelligence or efforts, but on the power of the indwelling Spirit of Christ, working in him and living through him. It was his passion for his Lord, which caused Paul to press on, for the upward call in Christ Jesus, until he could say, it is not I that live- but the Spirit of Christ, living in me and working through me, for His greater glory and praise.
Let us follow in his footsteps and fight the good fight of faith, so that we may say like Paul I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but to all who have longed for his appearance.”
Let us pray "Lord Jesus, may your love and truth transform my life - my inner thoughts, intentions, and attitudes, and my outward behavior, speech, and actions. Where I lack charity, kindness, and forbearance, help me to embrace your merciful love and to seek the good of my neighbor, even those who cause me ill-favor or offense. May I always love as you have loved and forgive others as you have forgiven."