Father Callan’s Commentary on 2 Timothy 4:1-8

This post includes Father Callan’s brief summary of 4:1-8, followed by his notes. Text in red are my additions.

A LAST APPEAL TO TIMOTHY

A Summary of 2 Timothy 4:1-8~Now that the end is drawing near, the aged Apostle, feeling his days are numbered and his work is done, adjures Timothy incessantly to continue the labors of the ministry and to bear up under its trials, being prepared for the onslaughts of future false teachers. As for Paul himself, he is about to pour out his blood as a sacrifice for the cause; but he is ready and his reward is waiting for him. The just Judge will never fail him, nor anyone else who has lived and labored for the cause.

1. I charge thee, before God and Christ Jesus, who shall judge the living and the dead, by his coming and his kingdom:

St. Paul in verses 1-4 solemnly charges Timothy so much the more to preach the word of God as the wicked stray farther from the truth.

I charge thee, etc. Better, “I solemnly charge thee, etc.” The same solemn formula occurs again in 1 Tim 5:21 and 2 Tim 2:14.

The living and the dead. See commentary on 1 Thess 4:16-17.

His coming, in General Judgment to render to each one according to his works. The word “coming” is the Greek επιφανειαν (epiphaneian), whence our word “epiphany.” The same word was used earlier in the letter wherein St Paul began gearing up for the charge he is now giving: I give thanks to God, whom I serve from my forefathers, with a pure conscience, that without ceasing I have a remembrance of thee in my prayers, night and day. Desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy: Calling to mind that faith which is in thee unfeigned, which also dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois and in thy mother Eunice, and I am certain that in thee also. For which cause I admonish thee that thou stir up the grace of God which is in thee by the imposition of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear: but of power and of love and of sobriety. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but labour with the gospel, according to the power of God. Who hath delivered us and called us by his holy calling, not according to our own works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the times of the world: But is now made manifest by the illumination (επιφανειας = epiphaneius) of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath destroyed death and hath brought to light life and incorruption by the gospel. Wherein I am appointed a preacher and an apostle and teacher of the Gentiles. For which cause, I also suffer these things: but I am not ashamed. For I know whom I have believed and I am certain that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him, against that day. Hold the form of sound words which thou hast heard of me: in faith and in the love which is in Christ Jesus. Keep the good thing committed to thy trust by the Holy Ghost who dwelleth in us (2 Tim 1:3-14). The preaching of the Gospel is rooted God’s eternal purpose, inaugurated as a result of Christ’s first coming, and oriented towards his second.

His kingdom, which the good will be invited to share. The word “coming” and “kingdom” are accusatives of adjuration in Greek and form part of the Apostle’s oath. I.e., he is not writing that the living and the dead will be judged by his coming and kingdom, a possible implication of the English translation if due account isn’t taken of the comma, rather, “I charge you…by his coming and his kingdom.” See the various translations which place a conjunctive “and” after the subordinate clause “who shall judge the living and the dead”) immediately before the words “by his appearing”.

2. Preach the word: be instant in season and out of season: reprove, entreat, rebuke in all patience and doctrine.

Preach the word: be instant (επιστηθι) in season and out of season. One could almost translate: “Preach the word: take your stand (επιστηθι) in season and out of season.” The admonition St Paul gives here is in marked contrast to that of first century pagan moralists who cautioned that the call for right action should be seasonable only (i.e., at the right time). On this point see Father Benjamin Fiore’s THE PASTORAL EPISTLES.  The fact that Christians know they are in the end times and do not know when Christ will return to judge is what motivates Paul’s insistence here and, also, the knowledge that there shall be a time when they (people) will not endure sound doctrine but, according to their own desires, they will heap to themselves teachers having itching ears: And will indeed turn away their hearing from the truth, but will be turned unto fables (see below, verses 3-4). The Spirit had predicted that such people would come: Now the Spirit manifestly saith that in the last times some shall depart from (αποστησονται = “cease to stand upon”) the faith, giving heed to spirits of error and doctrines of devils (1 Tim 4:1). This is why Timothy is to be instant (επιστηθι = “take his stand”) in season and out of season.

The word, i.e., the Gospel message (Gal 6:6; Col 4:3). This Timothy is to proclaim incessantly, in order that all may hear it and have the opportunity to embrace its teachings. “Proclaim incessantly, in order that all may hear:” Father George T. Montague, in his Commentary on FIRST AND SECOND TIMOTHY, TITUS notes that the phrase “preach the word” might today give some people the impression that what St Paul has in mind are brief sermons preached occasionally in the assembly. The word “preach”, however, has very public overtones and implies a very public message meant to be announced from the rooftops (see Matt 10:27).  The idea that religion ought to be private is very foreign to the Scripture. A contrast is being drawn between the very public nature of the Gospel and the practices of the false teachers who “creep into houses” (2 Tim 3:6), “subvert whole houses” (Titus 1:11).

Preach…reprove…entreat…rebuke. What St Timothy is told to do here calls to mind what St Paul had said regarding the use of Scripture for the man of God: All scripture, inspired of God, is profitable to teach, to reprove, to correct, to instruct in justice: That the man of God may be perfect, furnished to every good work (2 Tim 3:16-17).

In doctrine. Preaching without doctrine is of little value, since it lacks substance and leaves rebuke and exhortation without a reason and basis. The Greek word translated here as “doctrine” is διδαχή (didache). The word can denote both the act of instructing or the subject matter of the instruction.

3. For there shall be a time when they will not endure sound doctrine; but according to their own lusts they will heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears:

The reason is now given why Timothy must redouble his zeal; for during his own lifetime there will be persons who, following their own lusts and craving for novelties, will reject sound doctrine they will repudiate and turn away from the dogmas of the Church, and instead will seek out teachers whose doctrines appeal to the passions and lower appetites. In our own time this is precisely what is taking place. Multitudes are now ridiculing the very notion of dogfma as old-fashioned and out of date, and are running after those preachers who justify artificial birth-control, trial marriages, divorces, and similar disorders. In case you’re wondering, Father Callan wrote these words in 1922.

For there shall be a time (καιρος = kairos, an appointed, set, or proper time). As already indicated, this is what necessitates that St Timothy and all those commissioned to preach the Gospel take their stand in season (ευκαιρως = eukairos) and out of season (ακαιρως = akairos).

They will not endure ( have, hold, ανεξονται) sound ( healthy, υγιαινουσης) doctrine (instruction, learning, διδασκαλιας). The word translated here as “endure” could also be translated as “suffer”, suggesting a somewhat sarcastic statement: They will not suffer healthy learning. But the word ανεξονται appears only here in the pastorals, and St Paul uses a different word for suffering (see 2 Tim 3:11). The root of ανεξονται is ἔχω (“to have, hold or possess”).   This word is used several times in the Pastorals and its use in 2 Timothy is instructive inasmuch as it sometimes is applied to Gospel preachers and, sometimes to false teachers; thus establishing a contrast: Hold the form of sound words which thou hast heard of me: in faith and in the love which is in Christ Jesus (2 Tim 1:13). And their (i.e., false teachers’) talk takes hold like a canker (2 Tim 2:17). But the sure foundation of God standeth firm, having this seal: the Lord knoweth who are his; and let every one depart from iniquity who nameth the name of the Lord (2 Tim 2:19).  Having an appearance indeed of godliness but denying the power thereof. Now these avoid (2 Tim 3:5).

But according to their own lusts. Establishes the motivation for their not enduring sound, healthy doctrine. “Their own” indicates self-centered individualism and the whole phrase calls to mind those spoken of earlier: Know also this, that in the last days shall come dangerous times. Men shall be lovers of themselves, covetous, haughty, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, wicked, Without affection, without peace, slanderers, incontinent, unmerciful, without kindness, Traitors, stubborn, puffed up, and lovers of pleasure more than of God: Having an appearance indeed of godliness but denying the power thereof. Now these avoid (2 Tim 3:1-5). Note that those who reject the Gospel for their own esires are to be avoided (1 Cor 5:9-11; Matt 18:15-18).

They will heap to themselves (επισωρευσουσιν) teachers. It is people who are laden with (“piled up with” σεσωρευμενα) sins, who are led away with divers desires who do this (see 2 Tim 3:6).

Having itching ears, i.e., they will be eager for all kinds of novelties.

4. And will indeed turn away their hearing from the truth, but will be turned unto fables.

They will turn away their hearing. Because of their “itching ears”. For “turning away” see 2 Tim 1:15; Titus 1:14.

Turned unto fable. For “turned unto” see 1 Tim 1:6; 5:15. In 1 Tim 6:20 St Paul warns St Timothy to avoid (literally, keep from turning to) novelties of words.

Fables. See on 1 Tim 1:4, 4:7. On 1 Tim 1:4 Father Callan wrote: “Fables were most probably Jewish legends (Titus 1:14), such as are frequently found in the Talmud; and genealogies were extravagant, legendary stories about the ancient patriarchs, such as we find in the Book of Jubilees. Speculation on these useless subjects would lead away from the great truths of faith and the practical realities of Christian life; and thus vast harm would be done to the Church and to souls”.

5. But be thou sober, labor in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill thy ministry.

In the face of the difficulties just described, Timothy is to be prudent and well poised in all things, to endure hardship, to preach the Gospel, and faithfully to fulfill all his duties as a minister of Christ, entrusted with his master’s business.

Evangelists. Evangelist. See on Eph 4:11. In his notes on Eph 4:11 Father Callan wrote: Evangelists are not necessarily those only who wrote the Gospels, but missionaries and preachers of the word among strangers and infidels (John 21:15 ff.; Acts 21:8; 2 Tim 4:5; 1 Peter 2:25).

Ministry. See on 1 Tim 1:12. In his notes on 1 Tim 1:12 Father Callan wrote: “The Greek word for “ministry” here in the time of St. Paul meant the apostolate, whereas in the second century it had come to designate the order of deaconship. Hence we have in the use of the word here an argument for the early date of this letter. St. Paul would hardly be speaking of himself as having been called to the deaconship.” In Father Callan’s day some rationalist scholars were postulating a second century date for the Pastorals, a position now almost completely abandoned.

6. For I am even now ready to be sacrificed: and the time of my departure is at hand.

The secret of the Apostle’s anxiety about Timothy’s preparedness, zeal, readiness to suffer, etc., is now revealed; the old champion of the Gospel is going to leave him very soon, he is looking into his open grave.

Ready to be sacrificed. Better, “being poured out In sacrifice,” i.e., he was about to shed his blood as a sacrifice to God, as the drink-offering of wine used to be poured out as a libation to God in certain of the old Jewish sacrifices (Num 15:1-10); the Apostle’s death is at hand. Calls to mind what he wrote in Philippians 2:17~Even if I am to be poured as a libation upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all (RSV).

My departure. Another image to signify the imminence of his death. In Philippians 1:23 St Paul spoke of his desire to depart and be with Christ.

7. I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.
8. As to the rest, there is laid up for me a crown of justice, which the Lord the just judge will render to me in that day; and not only to me, but to them also that love his coming.

The metaphors are here drawn from the arena and the racecourse. Like a strong athlete, the Apostle has fought the good fight in defence of the faith (1 Tim 6:12); like a faithful runner in the race, he has completed the course; he has fulfilled all his duties and preserved the deposit of faith entrusted to him. Now he is ready for the crown, the reward with which the Lord, his just Judge, will recompense him.

This reward is called “a crown of justice,” because it has been merited; it is something due the Apostle in justice. Here we have an explicit proof that the just, by means of good works performed in the state of grace, can merit eternal life de condigno. And yet it remains true that the joys of heaven are a gratuitous gift; for God from eternity has gratuitously predestined the just to life eternal, and in time He gratuitously confers on them the grace by which they work out their salvation and merit eternal rewards. Cf. Conc. Trid., sess. VI, can. 32.

In that day, i.e., on the day of the Last Judgment. Immediately after death the Apostle, as is the case with all the just, received his crown, but the crown of life will not shine in all its splendor till the final judgment is over, when the body will have its reward along with the soul.

Mass Resources for the Second Sunday of Lent (March 20)

This post contains resources (mostly biblical) for the Ordinary and Extraordinary Forms of the Roman Rite. Additions to the resources (if any) will be marked UPDATE.

ORDINARY FORM
SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT

Readings.

Father Callan on 2 Tim 2:8b-10.

Juan de Maldonado on Matt 17:1-9.

Cornelius a Lapide on Matt 17:1-9.

NAVARRE BIBLE COMMENTARY:

• First Reading/Commentary.
• Second Reading/Commentary.
• Gospel Reading/Commentary.

Catholic Matters. Readings with brief explanations.

Bible Study. St Charles Borromeo Parish.

UPDATE: Sunday Gospel Scripture Study Podcast. Outstanding! Approx 1 hour.

Dr. Scott Hahn Podcast. Brief, does good job of highlighting major theme(s).

St Martha’s Podcast. Looks at all the readings in some detail.

Franciscan Sisters Bible Study Podcast. Usually posted on Thursday’s. Looks at the readings in some detail.

Fr. Robert Barron’s Audio Homily. Fr. Barron is a well known and respected theologian and preacher.

WORD SUNDAY:

• MP3 PODCAST In this week’s audio podcast, the readings urge to take some quiet time with God.
• FIRST READING Genesis 12 was the high point of the book with the call of Abram, A call and a promise, a future with God.
• PSALM In Psalm 33, the author praised YHWH for who he was. His activity among his people was a secondary concern.
• SECOND READING In 2 Timothy, the author asked THE question for Christians: what is the power of the Gospel in our lives?
• GOSPEL In Matthew 17, Jesus revealed his glory to Peter, James and John. The power of the experience was not in its spectacle, but in the faith it engendered.
• CHILDREN’S READINGS In the story for the first reading, Sabrina was sad she had to move, only to find her new home brought new friends and a whole new world to explore, as Abram experienced. In the story for the gospel, Frank made a new friend in Jesse. That friendship opened a new world to Frank, just like the Transfiguration opened new vistas to the friends of Jesus.
• CATECHISM LINK In this week’s Catechism Link, we investigate the Transfiguration and its symbolism for the Scriptures.
• FAMILY ACTIVITY This week, expose your family members to the power of the Scriptures. Share Bible stories with your family at least twice a week this Lent.

Gospel Meditation.

Lector Notes. Gives brief theological and historical background. Can be printed out and used for bulletin inserts.

Thoughts From the Early Church. An excerpt from Pope St Leo the Great.

Today’s Good News. Brief commentary on the Gospel.

THE FOLLOWING 6 LINKS ARE TO ONLINE BOOKS. YOU CAN USE THE SITE’S ZOOM FEATURE (Magnifying glass with + sign) TO INCREASE TEXT SIZE FOR EASIER READING.

The Transfiguration of Christ. Homily on the Gospel.

The Examination of Conscience. Dogmatic homily on the Gospel.

Institution of the Forty Day’s Fast. Liturgical homily on the Gospel.

Spiritual Transfiguration. Symbolic homily on the Gospel.

It Is Good To Be In Heaven. Moral homily on the Gospel.

We May Have A Heaven On Earth. Moral homily on the Gospel.
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EXTRAORDINARY FORM
SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT

NOTE: The Gospel reading for the Extraordinary Form is identical to that in the Ordinary Form. See the various commentaries and resources listed above.

Roman Missal. Contains the readings, prayers, etc., for this Sunday’s Rite.

My Notes on 1 Thess 4:1-7. Actually, this post contains commentary on all of chapter 4.

St John Chrysostom on 1 Thess 4:1-7.

UPDATE: Father Callan on 1 Thess 4:1-7.

Why We Must Shun the Vice of Impurity. Homily on the Epistle.

 

 

Father Callan on 2 Tim 2:8b-10 for the Second Sunday of Lent

This post includes Father Callan’s summary of 2 Tim 1:3-14, followed by his notes on today’s reading.

THE APOSTLE THANKS GOD FOR TIMOTHY’S FAITH, AND EXHORTS THE
YOUNG BISHOP TO BE READY TO SUFFER
A Summary of 2 Tim 1:3-4

St. Paul first thanks the God of his forefathers for Timothy’s faith, asserting his remembrance of him in his prayers and his desire to see his devoted son (ver. 3-5). He then exhorts him to rekindle the grace of his ordination and to be courageous in laboring and suffering for the Gospel, relying on that divine power whereof God has already given us a manifestation in the gratuitous salvation imparted to the world through Christ (ver. 6-10). For his election to preach the Gospel and his faithful discharge of his duty Paul now languishes in prison and faces death, but his faith is undaunted. Let Timothy likewise hold fast to the faith taught him, and be true to his trust (ver. 11-14).

8. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but endure your share of suffering for the gospel, according to the power of God;

Timothy must not be ashamed to bear witness to Christ in preaching the Gospel; nor should he be ashamed of his master who is in prison for preaching the Gospel. On the contrary, he must be willing to endure his share of suffering, along with Paul, for the sake of the Gospel, not trusting in his own strength, but in the “power of God,” which will never fail him.

The collabora of the Vulgate does not express the sense of the Greek, which means “suffer with,” i.e., to take one’s share in suffering for the Gospel. The word is found only here and in 2:3 below in the Greek Bible.

9. Who hath saved us and called us by his holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the times of the world,

A proof that God will never fail His faithful followers is to be seen in the fact that it is He who has already freely saved us from our sins and called us to holiness of life. All this He has done, not in virtue of any works or merits of ours, but in virtue of His own eternal plan and purpose and by the help of His saving grace, which from eternity He determined to carry out and bestow on us in Christ. The Apostle here indicates the two causes of our salvation, namely, the eternal cause, which was divine predestination, or God’s eternal purpose to show us mercy; and the temporal cause, which is sanctifying grace (St. Thomas).

Not according to our works. This phrase at once tempers the stress put on good works in the Pastoral Letters and shows against the Pelagians the existence and the gratuitousness of the grace by which we are led to faith and salvation.

But according to his own purpose, etc. From all eternity God predestined our salvation and the means to that end, which means were the merits and grace of Christ. Hence it was that the Incarnation of Christ was predestined from all eternity, and that in Christ from all eternity God prepared for us the grace which is at length conferred, and by which we are sanctified and saved in time. See on Eph 1:3-6; Tit 3:5; Rom 8:30, 9:12.

10. But is now made manifest by the illumination of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath destroyed death, and hath brought to light life and incorruption by the gospel:

God’s eternal purpose and the grace He prepared for us from eternity have now been made manifest to us “by the illumination, etc.,” better, “by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ,” i.e., through the Incarnation of our Lord in time, who by His passion and death for us on the cross has satisfied God for our sins, and has destroyed sin and death, the eflfect of sin (Rom 6:23), thus making known to us through the revelation of the Gospel the spiritual life of the soul and the future resurrection of the body.

This Weeks Posts: Sunday, March 13-Saturday, March 20

Some posts are scheduled in advance and will not become available until the time indicated. Posts (or links) lacking time indicators are available regardless of when scheduled (the daily readings, for example). The list of available posts under any given day may be updated with new posts in the late afternoon or evening; these will be marked UPDATE.

SUNDAY, MARCH 13
FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

Last Weeks Posts: March 6-13. C’mon, ya know ya missed something.

Resources for Today’s Mass (First Sunday of Lent). A weekly feature of this blog. The resources for next Sunday will be posted on Wednesday (hopefully).

Father Callan on Romans 1:8-17.

Meditation for the First Sunday of Lent by St Thomas Aquinas.
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MONDAY, MARCH 14
MONDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK OF LENT

NOTE: I screwed up the time stamps on these posts and was just too darned lazy to fix them. They should all be available by Monday, 12:20 AM EST.

Readings.

Maldonado on Today’s Gospel (Matt 25:31-46). 

UPDATE: Aquinas’ Catena on Today’s Gospel (Matt 25:31-46) .

Lenten Meditation for Monday of the First Week of Lent.

Father Callan on 2 Tim 8b-10 for Mass on the Second Sunday of Lent.

Maldonado on Matt 17:1-9 for Mass on the Second Sunday of Lent.

UPDATE: Father Callan on Romans 1:18-23.
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TUESDAY, MARCH 15
TUESDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK OF LENT

Readings.

Aquinas’ Lecture on Today’s Psalm 34 (33). Remember the numbering of the Psalms differ in older bibles, hence the 34 (33) reference. The text is in both English and Latin, side by side.

Aquinas’ Catena Aurea on Today’s Gospel (Matt 6:7-15). 12:05 AM EST.

St Augustine on Today’s Gospel (Matt 6:7-15). From his work THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT. Read chapters 3-11.

St Cyprian on the Lord’s Prayer.

St Thomas Aquinas’ Catechetical Instructions on the Lord’s Prayer. A more conveniently arranged presentation (divided into sections) of the instructions can be found here (scroll down to bottom of page for the links).

Various Catechisms on the Petitions of the Lord’s Prayer. Aquinas, Trent, Baltimore, Pius X, Catechism of the Catholic Church. Conveniently arranged.

St John Chrysostom on Today’s Gospel (Matt 6:7-15). St John Chrysostom begins looking at today’s text at article # 5.

Meditation for the First Tuesday of Lent. 12:05 AM EST.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16
WEDNESDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK OF LENT

Readings.

Aquinas’ Catena Aurea on Today’s Gospel (Luke 11:29-32). 12:05 AM EST.

My Personal Notes on Today’s First Reading. Pending (maybe). I ain’t promisin’ nothin’.

A Simple Bible Reading Guide for the Book of Jonah. From Presentation Ministries.

Some Notes on Jonah 3:1-10. Actually, the notes are on verses 1-5, 10.

Meditation for Wednesday of the First Week of Lent. 12:10 AM EST.

Cornelius a Lapide on Matt 17:1-9 for the Second Sunday of Lent.

Juan de Maldonado on Matt 17:1-9 for the Second Sunday of Lent.

UPDATE: Mass Resources for the Second Sunday of Lent .
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THURSDAY, MARCH 17
THURSDAY OF FIRST WEEK OF LENT
♣ST PATRICK’S DAY♣

Readings.

Aquinas’ Catena Aurea on Today’s Gospel (Matt 7:7-12). 12:05 AM EST.

Catholic Encyclopedia on St Patrick.

Catholic Culture on St Patrick.

Butler’s Lives of Saints on St Patrick.

The Confession of St Patrick.

St Patrick’s Letter to Coroticus.

UPDATE: Father Callan on 1 Thess 4:1-7 for the Second Sunday of Lent (Extraordinary From).

Happy Birthday Dad! Eternal rest give unto him, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon him. A hymn, O God, becometh Thee in Sion; and a vow shall be paid to Thee in Jerusalem: O Lord, hear my prayer; all flesh shall come to Thee. Eternal rest give unto him, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon him.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 18
FRIDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK OF LENT
ST CYRIL OF JERUSALEM

Readings.

Aquinas’ Catena Aurea on Today’s Gospel (Matt 5:20-26). 12:05 AM EST.

Cornelius a Lapide on Today’s Gospel (Matt 5:20-26). 12:10 AM EST.

The Catechetical Lectures of St Cyril of Jerusalem.Text.

Parts 1-4 of The Catechetical Lectures of St Cyril of Jerusalem. Audio.

Part 5 of The Catechetical Lectures of St Cyril of Jerusalem. Audio. Part 5 is also sometimes referred to as the Mystagogical Lectures.

Pope Benedict XVI on St Cyril of Jerusalem.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 19
SOLEMNITY OF ST JOSEPH, HUSBAND OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Readings.

Bernardin de Piconio on Today’s Epistle (Rom 4:13, 16-18, 22):

• Rom 4:1-12.
• Rom 4:13-25.

My Notes on Today’s Gospel (Matt 1:16, 18-21, 24a):

• Matt 1:1-17.
• Matt 1:18-24.

Cornelius a Lapide on Today’s Gospel (Matt 1:16, 18-21, 24a).

Catholic Culture on St Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Pope John Paul II: On the Person and Mission of St Joseph in the Life of Christ and of the Church (Redemptoris Custos). An Apostolic Exhortation.

 

 

This Weeks Posts: Sunday Jan 23-Saturday Jan 29

Some posts are scheduled in advance and will not be available until the time indicated. Further posts (e.g., commentary on next Sunday’s readings, etc) will be added to any upcoming day.
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SUNDAY, JAN 23
THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Readings.

Last Weeks Posts: Jan 16-22.

Resources For Sunday Mass, Jan 23. This is a weekly feature on this blog, next Sunday’s Mass resources will be posted on Wednesday.
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MONDAY JAN 24
MEMORIAL OF ST FRANCIS DE SALES, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH

Readings.

Father Callan on Today’s First Reading (Heb 9:15, 24-28). 12:03 AM EST.

Aquinas’ Catena Aurea on Today’s Gospel (Mark 3:22-30). 12:05 AM EST.

Some Online Works By and About St Francis de Sales. 12:10 AM EST.

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TUESDAY JAN 25
FEAST OF THE CONVERSION OF ST PAUL, APOSTLE

Readings.

Father Callan on Today’s First Reading (Acts 22:3-16). 12:05 AM EST.

Aquinas’ Catena Aurea on Today’s Gospel (Mark 16:15-18).  12:10 AM EST.

Free Online Resources for the Feast of St Paul’s Conversion. 12:15 AM EST.

Aquinas’ Catena Aurea on Matt 5:1-12 for Sunday Mass, Jan 30.

Cornelius a Lapide on 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 for Sunday Mass, Jan 30.

Bernardin de Piconio (Picquigny) on 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 for Sunday Mass Jan 30. This is actually a commentary on verses 18-31 but it is not terribly long.

Father Callan on 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 for Sunday Mass, Jan 30.

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WEDNESDAY JAN 26
MEMORIAL OF SAINTS TIMOTHY AND TITUS, BISHOPS

Readings. Note that the first reading has two choices.

Father Callan on Today’s First Reading (2 Tim 1:1-8). 12:10 AM EST.

Bishop MacEvily on the Alternate First Reading (Titus 1:1-5). 12:10 AM EST.

Father Callan on the Alternate First Reading (Titus 1:1-5). 12:10 AM EST.

Aquinas’ Catena Aurea on Today’s Gospel (Mark 4:1-20). 12:10 AM EST.

Resources For Sunday Mass, Jan 30. Ordinary and Extraordinary Forms.

Pope John Paul II on Psalm 146 for Sunday Mass, Jan 30.

Bernardin de Piconio on Romans 13:8-10 for Sunday Mass, Jan 30 (Extraordinary Form).

Father Callan on Romans 13:8-10 for Sunday Mass, Jan 30 (Extraordinary Form).

Bishop MacEvily on Romans 13:8-10 for Sunday Mass, Jan 30 (Extraordinary Form).

Aquinas’ Catena Aurea on Matt 8:23-27 for Sunday Mass, Jan 30 (Extraordinary Form).

Cornelius a Lapide on Matt 8:23-27 for Sunday Mass, Jan 30 (Extraordinary Form).

The Mystical Ship: Aquinas’ Homily Notes on Matt 8:23 for Sunday Mass, Jan 30 (Extraordinary Form).

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THURSDAY JAN 27
THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Readings.

Father Callan on Today’s First Reading (Heb 10:19-25). 12:05 AM EST.

Aquinas’ Catena Aurea on Today’s Gospel (Mark 4:21-25). 12:10 AM EST.
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FRIDAY JAN 28
MEMORIAL OF ST THOMAS AQUINAS, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH

Readings.

Father Callan on Today’s First Reading (Heb 10:32-39). 12:05 AM EST.

Aquinas’ Lecture on Heb 10:32-39.

Aquinas’ Catena Aurea on Today’s Gospel (Mark 4:26-34). 12:10 AM EST.

The English Translations of Aquinas’ Major Works Online. Most of the titles are in Latin but the actual texts are in English.

An English Translation of Aquinas’ Commentary on the Psalms. Scroll down.

Thomas Aquinas. Online book. This is a famous study of his thought by Father Martin D’Arcy.

Medieval Philosophy Illustrated From the System of Thomas Aquinas. Online book. A very good introduction to his thought.

The Bread of Life: St Thomas Aquinas on the Adorable Sacrament of the Altar. Online book.

The Life and Labors of St Thomas of Aquino. Online book by Archbishop Roger Vaughn.
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SATURDAY JAN 29
THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Readings.

Father Callan on Today’s First Reading (Heb 11:1-2, 8-19). 12:05 AM EST.

Aquinas’ Catena Aurea on Today’s Gospel (Mark 4:35-41). 12:10 AM EST.

Jan 26: Father Callan on Today’s Reading (2 Tim 1:1-8) for the Memorial of Sts Timothy and Titus

2 Tim 1:1-8 is one of two possible first readings which can be used today. Commentary on the other reading, Titus 1:1-5 by Bishop MacEvily can be found here. Father Callan’s commentary on Titus 1:1-5 is here.

1. Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, by the will of God, according to the promise of the life, which is in Christ Jesus.
2. To Timothy my beloved son: grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from Christ Jesus our Lord.

1-2. Again, as in the first letter, asserting his Apostolic authority and divine election to preach the Gospel, St. Paul salutes Timothy, his beloved child, whom he has begotten in Christ Jesus.

1. See on 1 Tim 1:1. Father Callan wrote there: Paul an apostle, etc. St. Paul thus asserts his apostolic authority at the beginning of nine of his letters—in all, therefore, except Phil., Phlm., i and 2 Thess., and Heb. This he does in order to give greater weight and solemnity to his words, not only with the faithful and to those to whom he is writing, but also and especially with the false teachers or enemies whom, as in the present Epistle, he is combating.

By the will of God, as in 1 Cor 1:1; Eph 1:1; Col 1:1. St. Paul was not a self-appointed Apostle, but a vessel of divine election. According to the promise, etc., means that the aim and purpose of St. Paul’s election and call to the Apostleship was to proclaim the fulfillment in Christ of the promises of eternal life which were given in the Old Testament.

Grace, mercy, and peace. Grace, God’s special help and favor, is the root and source of our supernatural union with Him and with Christ, and peace is the blessed fruit of that same union.  The word “mercy” is here added to the salutation, as in 1 Tim 1:2, perhaps because the aged Apostle now felt the greater need of this most attractive and conspicuous attribute of God, and also in order to draw attention to the source of “grace” and “peace.”

THE APOSTLE THANKS GOD FOR TIMOTHY’S FAITH, AND EXHORTS THE YOUNG BISHOP TO BE READY TO SUFFER
A Summary of 2 Timothy 1:3-14

St. Paul first thanks the God of his forefathers for Timothy’s faith, asserting his remembrance of him in his prayers and his desire to see his devoted son (ver. 3-5). He then exhorts him to rekindle the grace of his ordination and to be courageous in laboring and suffering for the Gospel, relying on that divine power whereof God has already given us a manifestation in the gratuitous salvation imparted to the world through Christ (ver. 6-10). For his election to preach the Gospel and his faithful discharge of his duty Paul now languishes in prison and faces death, but his faith is undaunted. Let Timothy likewise hold fast to the faith taught him, and be true to his trust (ver. 11-14).

3. I give thanks to God, whom I serve from my forefathers with a pure conscience, as without ceasing I have a remembrance of thee in my prayers, night and day,
4. Desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy,

3-4. St. Paul thanks God for Timothy’s faith (ver. 5), as he remembers him in his prayers every day and every night ; and he is longing to see him, recalling the tears that were shed at their parting.

Whom I serve, etc. The Apostle’s Jewiish opponents had accused him of betraying the religion of his ancestors, but he here asserts that the God whom he serves is the same God that his forefathers adored, and that his service of Him is pure and free from self-interest, unlike their service of that same God of whom they boast.

5. Calling to mind that faith which is in thee unfeigned, which also dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and in thy mother Eunice, and I am certain that in thee also.

It was the recollection of the readiness and generosity with
which Timothy received the faith from his mother and grandmother
that moved St, Paul to give thanks to God (ver. 3).

Unfeigned, i.e., unmixed with error or hypocrisy.

Which also dwelt first, etc., i.e., Lois (most likely the mother of Eunice) and Eunice embraced the faith first, when Paul preached at Lystra (Acts 14:6, 16:1), and under their instruction Timothy readily followed their example. It would seem that Eunice was a widow at the time of Timothy’s circumcision, and this is probably the reason why St. Paul does not make any mention of her husband in his Epistles.

6. For which reason I admonish thee, that thou stir up the grace of God which is in thee, by the imposition of my hands.

For which reason, etc. Having reminded Timothy of the alacrity with which he had received the faith, the aged Apostle now exhorts him to “stir up”—more literally, “kindle to fresh flame” (the word occurs onlv here in the New Testament)—the sacramental “grace of God” which he received when Paul ordained him, and which remains with him still (cf. 1 Tim 4:14). Timothy
was naturally timid and may have been somewhat remiss in the exercise of his sacred powers. But perhaps St. Paul is only anxious that his young disciple will ever be courageous and faithful in spite of difficulties. The Council of Trent (sess. XXIII, cap. 3) cites this verse to prove that Holy Orders is a true Sacrament.

7. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love and of sobriety.

In this verse the Apostle gives the reason why Timothy should rekindle in himself the grace of his ordination; for God has given his chosen Apostles the graces and powers necessary for a faithful and rigorous fulfillment of all their duties, however great the obstacles they may encounter.

Us refers to Paul and Timothy both. St. Paul includes himself so as to soften his words. In giving His Apostles the Holy Ghost, God has endowed them with the spirit (a) of “power,” to discharge all their offices and to encounter all difficulties, (b) of “love,” to endure all things patiently for Christ’s sake, (c) of “sobriety” (better, “wisdom” or “prudence”) in dealing with others, and therefore in the exercise of discipline.

8. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but endure your share of suffering for the gospel, according to the power of God;

Timothy must not be ashamed to bear witness to Christ in preaching the Gospel; nor should he be ashamed of his master who is in prison for preaching the Gospel. On the contrary, he must be willing to endure his share of suffering, along with Paul, for the sake of the Gospel, not trusting in his own strength, but in the “power of God,” which will never fail him.

The collabora of the Vulgate does not express the sense of the Greek, which means “suffer with,” i.e., to take one’s share in suffering for the Gospel. The word is found only here and in 2:3 below in the Greek Bible.

Resources for Sunday Mass, Oct 24 (Ordinary & Extraordinary Forms)

My Parish Church (photo by Msgr. Matt, Senior Preist)

This post contains resources (mostly biblical) for both the Ordinary and Extraordinary Forms of the Roman Rite. It was posted on Wednesday and is reposted here for the sake of the those wishing to prepare for Mass.

ORDINARY FORM: 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time .

Readings.

St Augustine on Psalm 34 for Sunday Mass, Oct 24.

Father Callan on 2 Tim 4:6-8, 16-18 for Sunday Mass, Oct 24.

Aquinas’ Catena Aurea on Luke 18:9-14 for Sunday Mass, Oct 24.

Navarre Bible Commentary. It’s Saturday morning and the site still hasn’t posted the readings. .

St Augustines Homily on Luke 18:9-14 for Sunday Mass Oct 24. Originally published for the 10th Sunday after Pentecost (Extraordinary Form of the Rite).

Franciscan Sisters Bible Study Podcast. Usually posted on Thursdays.

Dr. Scott Hahn Podcast. Brief summary highlighting major theme(s) of the readings.

Word Sunday:

• MP3 PODCAST In this week’s podcast, we see pride and jealousy as invasive weeds that choke off our spiritual life.
• FIRST READING The book of Sirach taught the rich how to lead, with humility.
• PSALM Psalm 34 was a hymn of praised based in wisdom. The true worshiper is humble, always willing to learn true ways to please the Lord.
• SECOND READING 2 Timothy addressed the final days of St. Paul. According to the text, he knew his time was short, so he longed for the time of his reward.
• GOSPEL In Luke 18, Jesus told the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. One bragged to God of his righteousness. One begged to be made righteous. Guess whose prayer was answered.
• CHILDREN’S READINGS In the story for the first reading, Jerry lived down the street from two brothers, one was a bully, one was nice. Which one did Jerry really like? Which one would have their prayers answered? We look to Sirach for the answers. In the story for the gospel, Gail was bridght, talented, funny and proud. Jean was average, but nice. Gail stood out; Jean did not. Who made more friends? Who got help when she needed it? Jesus told a story about the same problem and who God will help.
• CATECHISM LINK In this week’s Catechism Link, we investigate the Great Commandment, love God, love others.
• FAMILY ACTIVITY How hard is it to be yourself with your family? That might sound absurd, but in these days of hyperactivity and stress, we sometimes gloss over relationships with the ones closest to us. So take some time, turn off all the distractions, and have a game night with your family. Have fun. In this way, you can enjoy your family members as they truly are.

Lector Notes. Provides historical and theological background.

Thoughts From the Early Church. Excerpt from Gregory Palamas.

The Scripture in Depth. Usually provides a good overview of the readings.

Summary of the Gospel. St Vincent’s Archabbey.

Prayer From a Humble Heart. For personal or group study.

A Lectio Divina Areading of the Gospel.

Bible Study Lessons. St Charles Borromeo Parish.

EXTRAORDINARY FORM: 22nd Sunday after Pentecost.

Note: The readings for the EF differ from those of the OF.

Father Callan on Philippians 1:6-11.

Aquinas’ Catena Aurea on Matt 22:15-21.

Aquinas’ Homily Notes on the Epistle.

Homily by St Hilary of Poitier

The following links are to online books. Use the site’s zoom feature to increase text size if needed.

Homily on the Epistle.

Homily on the Gospel.

 

 

This Weeks Posts: Sunday Oct 17-Saturday Oct 23

 

My Parish Church (Photo by Msgr Matt, Senior Priest)

 

 

Some posts are scheduled in advance and will not become available until the time indicated. Some of things listed below are links to other sites and should not necessarily be taken as an endorsement of those sites or their content.

 

 

 

Sunday, Oct 17: 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Resources for Sunday Mass, Oct 17.

Last Weeks Posts: Oct 10-16.

Father Callan on 2 Tim 4:6-8, 16-18 for Sunday Mass, Oct 24. Available 12:05 AM EST.

Aquinas’ Catena Aurea on Luke 18:9-14 for Sunday Mass, Oct 24. Available 12:10 AM EST.

St Augustine on Psalm 34 for Sunday Mass, Oct 24. Available 12:15 AM EST.

MONDAY OCT 18. Feast of St Luke the Evangelist.

Today’s Readings. Link.

Aquinas’ Catena Aurea on Today’s Gospel (Luke 10:1-9). Available 12:05 AM EST.

Aquinas’ Homily Notes on St Luke’s Day. Available 12:10 AM EST.

Father Callan on Today’s First Reading (2 Tim 4:10-17). Available 12:15 AM EST.

Symbols for St Luke and the Other Evangelists. Link.

Resources for the Study of St Luke. Links by Father Felix Just.

Cornelius a Lapide on Today’s Gospel. Available 12:20 AM EST.

Pope Benedict XVI on Today’s Psalm (145): Part 1—Part 2. Links.

TUESDAY OCT 19: Memorial of Saint John de Brébeuf and Saint Isaac Jogues, priests and martyrs, and their companions. (The First North American Martyrs)

Today’s Readings. Link.

Father Wilberforce on Today’s Epistle (Eph 2:12-22). Link. Scroll down slightly to find verse 12.

Father Callan on Today’s Epistle (Eph 2:12-22). Available 12:05 AM EST.

Pope John Paul II on Today’s Psalm (85). Link.

Aquinas’ Catena Aurea on Today’s Gospel (Luke 12:35-38).

On the First North American Martyrs. Link to American Catholic.org.

Catholic Culture on the First North American Martyrs. Link.

Catholic Encyclopedia on St Issac Jogues. Link.

Catholic Encyclopedia on St Jean De Brebeuf. Link.

Catholic Encyclopedia on St Rene Goupil. Link.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs (the North American Martyr’s Shrine). Link.

A Shrine in the Mohawk Valley. Link. Short online book.

The Life of Father Isaac Jogues. Link. online book.

Pioneer Priests of North America. Link. Online book.

WEDNESDAY OCT 20: St Paul of the Cross

Today’s Readings. Link.

A Commentary on Ephesians 3:2-12. This is actually a commentary on all of chapter 3 which I posted last year.

Aquinas’ Catena Aurea on Today’s Gospel (Luke 12:39-48). Available 12:05 AM EST.

Bernardin de Piconio on Today’s First Reading (Eph 3:2-12). Available 12:20 AM EST.

Catholic Encyclopedia on St Paul of the Cross. Link.

St Paul of the Cross: Outstanding Example of the Reparative Character of the Night of the Spirit. Link. Article written by Pere Garrigou-Lagrange.

Today in History.

Resources for Sunday Mass, Oct 24 (Ordinary and Extraordinary Forms).

THURSDAY OCT 21:

Today’s Readings.

Aquinas’ Homily Notes on Philippians 1:6-11 for Sunday Mass, Oct 24 (Extraordinary Form).

Homily by St Hilary on Matt 22:15-21 for Sunday Mass, Oct 24 (Extraordinary Form).

FRIDAY OCT 22:

Today’s Readings.

Pope John Paul II on Today’s Psalm.

Aquinas’ Catena Aurea on Today’s Gospel. Available 12:05 AM EST.

Bernardin de Piconio on Today’s First Reading. Available 12:10 AM EST.

SATURDAY OCT 23: St John Capistrano.

Today’s Readings.

Father Callan on 2 Tim 4:10-17

Note: I’ve included Father Callan’s summary of verses 9-18 as background to today’s reading.  Psalm numbering and chapter and verse references are those of the Douay Rheims version; modern translations may differ (e.g., Psalm 21 in the DRV is generally designated Psalm 22 in modern bibles. Text in red, if any, represents my additions.

SOME PERSONAL MESSAGES: A summary of 4:9-18. St. Paul bids Timothy to make haste to join him in Rome; for Demas has deserted him, and all his other companions, save Luke, have been dispatched to other places. He requests Timothy to bring with him Mark and certain effects that had been left behind at Troas, and warns him against Alexander the coppersmith (ver. 9-15). At his first hearing all deserted him, but the Lord stood by him and strengthened him that he might have time to complete his work (ver. 16-18).

9. Make effort to come to me quickly. For Demas hath left me, loving this world, and is gone to Thessalonica;

Timothy was to come to St. Paul by way of Troas and the great Via Egnatia from Philippi to Dyrrachium, and thence to Brundisium. This would require some time, but it seems the Apostle thought his life would be spared long enough for Timothy to make the journey,

Demas, who was a Gentile convert, was with St. Paul during the first Roman captivity (Phlm. 24). He is also mentioned in Col 4:14. For fear of being associated with Paul at this critical time and most likely for business purposes also, he forsook him and returned to Thessalonica, probably his native town. His name is an abbreviation of Demetrius, which Lightfoot tells us occurs twice in the list of politarchs of Thessalonica.

10. Crescens into Galatia, Titus into Dalmatia.

Crescens, of whom we know nothing further from St. Paul.
Tradition says he became a Bishop of Gaul.

Galatia, most probably the Asiatic province by that name, though Gaul was sometimes called Galatia, and some few MSS. read Gaul here.

Titus, the Bishop of Crete, to whom St. Paul had already addressed a letter.

Dalmatia, a part of the Roman province of lUyria on the eastern
coast of the Adriatic.

11. Only Luke is with me. Take Mark and bring him with thee, for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

Luke, who was with St. Paul also during the first captivity (Col 4:14), and who wrote the Third Gospel and the Book of Acts. All the other companions and disciples of the Apostle had left him.

Mark, the author of the Second Gospel, who was also with St. Paul during the first Roman imprisonment (Col 4:10), but who at this time must have been some place along the route Timothy would take going to Rome from Ephesus.

For the ministry, i.e., for the work of the Gospel, or probably for personal service in place of Tychicus (Eph 6:21 ; Col 4:7; Acts 20:4).

12. But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.

Tychicus, who had been the bearer of the letters to the Ephesians and Colossians (Eph 6:21; Col 4:7), very probably was taking this present Epistle to Timothy in Ephesus and was to remain in that city to look after the affairs of the Church there during Timothy’s absence. Tychicus is also mentioned in Acts 20:4; Titus 3:12.

I have sent is very likely an epistolary aorist. Note: the epistolary aorist is relative to the reception of the letter and not the time of its being written. “The writer of a letter sometimes puts himself in the place of his reader and describes as past that which is to himself present, but which will be past to his reader” (Syntax of the Moods and Tenses in New Testament Greek, Ernest De Witt Burton).  In other words, as St Paul wrote the letter the action had not yet been taken, but will have been accomplished before the letter is received by St Timothy. Examples of the epistolary aorist: Eph 6:22; Acts 23:30; 1 Cor 5:11; Phil 2:28; Col 4:8; Philemon 11.

13. The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, especially the parchments.

The cloak, probably a heavy outer garment for winter wear. Some translate the word “wrapper,” meaning a satchel for carrying or protecting books.

Carpus, an otherwise unknown Christian of Troas.

The books, i.e., rolls of papyrus, a kind of writing material generally used in the first century for writing letters of ordinary importance. Paul wrote on papyrus but his Epistles were later copied on vellum rolls.

Parchments, i.e., rolls of vellum, a much more valuable and durable writing material made from the skins of animals. Probably the parchments contained the Old Testament Scriptures, and the papyrus was used by the Apostle for his letters. This would explain the early disappearance of the original copies of the latter, because papyrus was not a very durable material like parchment.

From the way St. Paul speaks in this verse and in verse 20 below It is sufficiently evident that he is referring to a recent visit to Asia Minor, doubtless between the two Roman Captivities, and not to his sojourn there years before, of which there is question in Acts 20:6.

14. Alexander the coppersmith hath done me much evil : the Lord will reward him according to his works:

Alexander. See on 1 Tim 1:20. Perhaps this enemy of St. Paul’s lived at Ephesus or was there at this time, but had been in Rome testifying against the Apostle.

The Lord will reward, etc. These words are from Psalm 61:12, but the reading which makes them an imprecation here is less probable.

15. Whom do thou also avoid, for he greatly withstood our words.

He greatly withstood, etc. The aorist points to a definite occasion, very probably during St. Paul’s trial in Rome when the Apostle was defending his cause and the preaching of the Gospel.

16. At my first defence no man stood with me, but all forsook me: may it not be laid to their charge.

At my first defence. It is remarkable that St. Chrysostom, St. Thomas, and many modern commentators take these words to refer to the Apostle’s first Roman captivity, and verse 17 to his preaching between the two Roman captivities. It seems more consistent with the context to refer them to his first hearing or the first stage in his trial before his judges (called in Roman law the prima actio) during the second and last imprisonment in Rome. At this crisis no one came to his defence, doubtless out of fear and human weakness, as the words that follow would indicate.

17. But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me, that by me the preaching may be completed, and that all the Gentiles may hear; and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

By the grace and help of God St. Paul was not condemned at his first hearing, but was given another chance of explaining himself and his cause, and thus of completing the preaching of the Gospel there in Rome, the official centre of the empire and of the world.

Out of the mouth of the lion expresses the extreme peril from which he was delivered, though many of the Fathers understood the reference to be to Nero. This same phrase is found in Psalm 21:21; Dan, 6:20.

Father Callan on 2 Tim 4:6-8, 16-18 for Sunday Mass, Oct 24

I’ve included Father Callan’s brief summaries of verses 1-8 and 9-18 to provide context.

A LAST APPEAL TO TIMOTHY, 4:1-8
Now that the end is drawing near, the aged Apostle, feeling his days are numbered and his work is done, adjures Timothy incessantly to continue the labors of the ministry and to bear up under its trials, being prepared for the onslaughts of future false teachers. As for Paul himself, he is about to pour out his blood as a sacrifice for the cause; but he is ready and his reward is waiting for him. The just Judge will never fail him, nor anyone else who has lived and labored for the cause.

6. For I am even now ready to be sacrificed : and the time of my departure is at hand.

The secret of the Apostle’s anxiety about Timothy’s preparedness, zeal, readiness to suffer, etc., is now revealed; the old champion of the Gospel is going to leave him very soon, he is looking into his open grave.

Ready to be sacrificed. Better, “being poured out In sacrifice,” i.e., he was about to shed his blood as a sacrifice to God, as the drink-offering of wine used to be poured out as a libation to God in certain of the old Jewish sacrifices (Num 15:1-10); the Apostle’s death is at hand.

My departure. Another image to signify the imminence of his death.

The Vulgate resolutionis does not express the Greek, which means “departure,” as in 2 Mach 9:1; Luke 12:36.

7. I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept thefaith.
8. As to the rest, there is laid up for me a crown of justice, which theLord the just judge will render to me in that day; and not only to me, butto them also that love his coming.

The metaphors are here drawn from the arena and the racecourse. Like a strong athlete, the Apostle has fought the good fight in defence of the faith (1 Tim 6:12); like a faithful runner in the race, he has completed the course ; he has fulfilled all his duties and preserved the deposit of faith entrusted to him. Now he is ready for the crown, the reward with which the Lord, his just
Judge, will recompense him.

This reward is called “a crown of justice,” because it has been merited; it is something due the Apostle in justice. Here we have an explicit proof that the just, by means of good works performed in the state of grace, can merit eternal life de condigno. And yet it remains true that the joys of heaven are a gratuitous gift; for God from eternity has gratuitously predestined the just to life eternal, and in time He gratuitously confers on them the grace by which they work out their salvation and merit eternal rewards.
Cf. Conc. Trid., sess. VI, can. 32.

In that day, i.e., on the day of the Last Judgment. Immediately after death the Apostle, as is the case with all the just, received his crown, but the crown of life will not shine in all its splendor till the final judgment is over, when the body will have its reward along with the soul.

SOME PERSONAL MESSAGES, 4:9-18.
St. Paul bids Timothy to make haste to join him in Rome; for Demas has deserted him, and all his other companions, save Luke, have been dispatched to other places. He requests Timothy to bring with him Mark and certain effects that had been left behind at Troas, and warns him against Alexander the coppersmith (ver. 9-15). At his first hearing all deserted him, but the Lord stood by him and strengthened him that he might have time to complete his work (ver. 16-18).

16. At my first defence no man stood with me, but all forsook me: may it not be laid to their charge.

At my first defence. It is remarkable that St. Chrysostom, St. Thomas, and many modern commentators take these words to refer to the Apostle’s first Roman captivity, and verse 17 to his preaching between the two Roman captivities. It seems more consistent with the context to refer them to his first hearing or the first stage in his trial before his judges (called in Roman law the prima actio) during the second and last imprisonment in Rome. At this crisis no one came to his defence, doubtless out of fear and
human weakness, as the words that follow would indicate.

17. But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me, that by me the preaching may be completed, and that all the Gentiles may hear; and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

By the grace and help of God St. Paul was not condemned at his first hearing, but was given another chance of explaining himself and his cause, and thus of completing the preaching of the Gospel there in Rome, the official centre of the empire and of the world.

Out of the mouth of the lion expresses the extreme peril from which he was delivered, though many of the Fathers understood the reference to be to Nero. This same phrase is found in Psalm 21:21; Dan, 6:20.

18. The Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

The Apostle is confident of his final liberation from all evil and his reception into Christ’s heavenly kingdom, though the gateway will be martyrdom.