Category:Lecture/Sermon

Our liturgical year ends soon. Next year we will hear from the gospel of Matthew. The second reading concludes the letter to Timothy. St. Paul is near his death. He uses the sacrifice and race to send a message. Animal sacrifices were used and a libation is poured on the sacrifice to connect to the sacrifice. The sacrifice is Christ, he is in unity with the sacrifice. Christ sacrificed himself, but he can unite to the sacrifice to bring salvation. The second image of the race is to remain believers, letting our faith shape our lives. We need to be faithful to the commandments though it can be difficult. Paul knew why he was suffering and he continued to be faithful. We should pray to be faithful to finish the race. We imagine ourselves with God. In the gospel, the pharisee imagines himself with people. We will be humble and change when needed. We will not look up to God but be humble. Let us pray to compare our lives to Christ to be better always and to unite the sacrifices to Christ. Amen