Acts 20:17-27 / John 17:1-11
It is difficult for us to imagine a life filled with misfortune and hardships.
If that is really the case, we would surely be moaning and groaning.
After all, what is there to look forward to, except to take one hit after another.
If we think that it is highly unlikely there would be such a person or such a life, then we may need to look again at the first reading.
After his conversion, St. Paul seemed to be going down the road of suffering, hardship and persecution.
He himself said that he had no idea what will happen to him when he goes to Jerusalem.
But the Holy Spirit had made it clear enough that imprisonment and persecution awaited him.
But St. Paul said this: Life to me is not a thing to waste words on, provided when I finish my race, I have carried out the mission the Lord Jesus gave me – and that is to bear witness to the Good News of God’s grace.
By his life, and with his life, he witnessed to what he said about himself.
We may not have to face the suffering, hardships and persecution that St. Paul faced.
But by our life, and with our life, may we be like St. Paul, bear witness to the Good News of God’s grace.