Reflection for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Amos 6:1a, 4-7; Psalm 146; 1 Timothy 6:11-16; St. Luke 16:19-31

Lay hold of eternal life

I remember what the human circulatory system looks like because of an excellent seventh-grade science teacher. Have you had a favorite teacher? More than one? Perhaps you, too, were inspired by their eloquence or by their urging, or by their vivid explanations? Maybe they were the reason you became excited about learning!

I suggest that we each take the words of Saint Paul to Saint Timothy in the 2nd Mass reading today as if they were addressed to us, by a beloved teacher …. because they were! Paul exhorts us in these words: “But you, man [or woman or child] of God, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.”

“Pursue” he says, like we pursue fleeting things in our own lives. You can list a few things: coffee, news, casual conversations, etc., but what Saint Paul teaches us to pursue are things that last. Righteousness – and the other virtues – last. They are qualities we will possess in heaven perfectly – being morally upright and just, acting with virtue consistently. The effects of a good teacher also last.

As Saint Paul continues, “Compete well for the faith,” he acknowledges the spiritual struggle that is required by faithfulness in the practice of virtue. We must agree that there is a competition going on, for example, as we pray for the souls of our loved ones who are sometimes entangled in things that lead them away from the faith.

The best teacher I ever had sometimes gave me strong exhortations, although he couldn’t beat St. Paul’s: “I charge you before God… and before Christ Jesus… to keep the commandment without stain or reproach.”  Since all of us are in the “continuing education” class of holiness, we need strong exhortations like this. It is easy to flip-flop and compromise on what we know God expects of us.

At the right time, our faithfulness to a life of virtue will be rewarded, not by a disposable report card, but by the eternal and splendid beatific vision of “the King of kings and Lord of lords…who dwells in unapproachable light”. Our hope is that the perfect purity of our souls “without stain or reproach” will enable us to see and share this glorious sight.

Let us strive with all our might to “Lay hold of eternal life, to which you [we] were called when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses.” At our Baptism and Confirmation, we may not have had as many witnesses as Saint Timothy, but we can be certain that Jesus was present in the reception of each Sacrament. He, the Master Teacher, will always be with us.

To Him be honor and eternal power. Amen.