2.Timothy 1,1-3 6-12

One priest advised a man who came to him to confess to thinking about a football match. The man was disgusted because he had made no progress in overcoming certain sins. The priest told him to remember how to concentrate on getting the ball during the match – but the game does not end with getting the shot. There will be times when he misses the ball. Even if he doesn’t hit, the game continues. He has to go to the ball again and again and again.

Doesn’t that remind you of Paul’s advice to Timothy? From prison in Rome, Paul encouraged the young apostles to shake off their disgust and continue the struggle. As a good team captain, he assured Timothy that he had what he needed to maintain his faith and could pass it on to others: “For God has not given us the Spirit of timidity, but the Spirit of strength, love, and balance” (2 Tim 1: 7). The Holy Spirit is more significant than any personal weakness that could decay Timothy’s work!

Ironically, Paul may have looked like the one he lost because he was in prison. However, he drew Timothy’s attention to sincere hope – the hope of the gospel. Paul’s and Timothy’s task was to focus their eyes on the ball and their minds on their vocation because God gave them – and us – “not for our works, but his grace and grace” (2 Tim 1: 9). The good news: we are in a winning team with the best and most experienced captain.

Sometimes we feel defeated, confused, and deceived. We break the stick over ourselves that we are still not “on horseback.” But remember that Jesus has already saved us. He is now calling us to serve, not to fight for heaven again. We will see how others are filled with the same love that fills us. Take Paul’s counsel to heart today and “ignite the gift of God that is in you” (2 Tim 1: 6). I will fix my eyes on the ball and pass on the good news to others.