Acts 20:17-27 / John 17:1-11
Faith and commitment cannot be understood just as concepts.
Simply because faith and commitment are always expressed to another party and not to an abstract idea or concept.
In the 1st reading, we see the faith and commitment of St. Paul as he bears witness to the Good News.
In his commitment to the mission that Jesus entrusted to him, we also can see his determination.
If we were St. Paul, we might wonder what we would do if it is made known to us that what awaits us for the rest of our days are sorrows and trials and persecution.
We might even be tempted to look back at the days gone by, days of care-free comfort and non-commitment.
But as St. Paul said, "Life to me is not a thing to waste words on, provided that when I finish my race I have carried out the mission the Lord Jesus gave to me."
Yes, for St. Paul, faith and commitment means a determination that requires a clenching of teeth as the pain and sorrow kicks in.
And so what is the reward for that faith and commitment and determination?
It is the glory that is awaiting us, the glory that Jesus has promised those who are faithful to Him.
The truth is that the sufferings of this present world cannot be compared to the eternal glory that is awaiting us.
So like St. Paul, let us keep praying and run the race to the finish.