There are some folk in life who think they have made it on their own-their way, their terms. But at what price? Loss of relationships with family, friends, colleagues; a distancing from God? What is really gained when you reach the perceived top only to find that you are alone and maybe despised?
St. Paul found this out on the road to Damascus. He was a zealous keeper of the daily laws. He despised and persecuted the followers of Jesus Christ. On a road trip to Damascus, Paul was blinded and then healed. Paul was brought to his knees, and in that encounter he came face to face with our Lord. Paul’s life was turned around, and in our text today, Paul speaks of his former life, which he puts behind him as he moves toward the true goal: not power or wealth or control, but eternal life. Paul now speaks words of love and grace, the words of truth.
God of truth, help us, when we think we can "do life" on our own, to remember that all we have, who we are, is by your grace alone. Give us the courage always to trust that you know what is best for us. Amen. — DS