Whenever we are told of the prospects of the future, usually a rosy picture is painted.
So whether it is birthday wishes, or marriage wishes, or job prospects, it is usually best wishes and bright future and everything nice.
Even if it is challenging and difficulties are apparent, there will still be words of encouragement and that assistance will be available.
But for St. Paul, what he said in the 1st reading will certainly make anyone re-think about serving the Lord or going off on mission.
He said that he had no idea what will happen to him, except that the Holy Spirit, in town after town, had made it clear that imprisonment and persecution awaited him.
Yet, for St. Paul, life is not a thing to waste words on, and he only wanted to finish the mission of bearing witness to the Good News of God's grace.
For us, much has been said about the present situation and much more can be said.
But let us not give in to despair. Rather let us, with the grace of God rise above the difficulties.
Let us encourage each other to keep looking upward and forward and experience the workings of the grace of God.