The second reading today is from Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy (1:6-8, 13-14).  In this passage, Paul speaks to Timothy directly (and to all of us as well): cowardice and shame have no place in us who are called to proclaim and live the gospel regardless of the consequences knowing that the Holy Spirit dwells in us and helps us.

Happily, today we also heard Luke 17:5-10 which includes my life verse:

When you have done all you have been commanded,
say, “We are unprofitable servants;
we have done what we were obliged to do.”

I have put the reference to this verse in the signature line of my emails for many years now.  It also inspired the name of this blog.  In addition, it ties in well with the passage from Paul (above) that preceded it at Mass today.

It is our duty to live the values that God inspired in divine revelation.  Through our example and words we propagate the kingdom of God.  But do we deserve any special accolades for doing so?  No.  We have been commanded by the Father and Son, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, to live what we profess — regardless of the consequences.

Humility guards all other virtues.  It simply acknowledges the fact that God is God and we are not.  Let us be mindful of this status in all that we do so that we can fulfill the Lord’s will on earth so as to be happy with Him forever and heaven while helping along as many others as possible to that eternal banquet.