Be grateful, sinner

St. Paul’s words from today’s first reading (1 Tim. 1:1-2,12-14) are a tremendous encouragement to those of us who are painfully aware of our imperfections (I know I am) and also our call to be servants of God’s word.

I am grateful to him
who has strengthened me,
Christ Jesus our Lord,
because he considered me trustworthy
in appointing me to the ministry.

I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor
and an arrogant man,
but I have been mercifully treated
because I acted out of ignorance
in my unbelief.

Indeed, the grace of our Lord
has been abundant,
along with the faith and love
that are in Christ Jesus.