September 12, 2025 // Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Mary
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s First Reading: 1 Timothy 1:1-2, 12-14
Reflect on the Word //
My emotions came and went during those first days of missionary training like the clouds that would spontaneously sweep over the summer sky. The sudden storms would pound the pavement briefly, only to give way just as quickly to brilliant rainbows. And with similar intensity, my heart fluttered between future dreams, present joys, and the temptation to fear that in my new role, I would have nothing to offer.
Despite the Lord’s persistent beckoning, I still wondered: Why me?
When Saint Paul writes about his own calling in today’s First Reading, his words are not of doubt but of gratitude: “I am grateful to him who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me trustworthy in appointing me to the ministry” (1 Timothy 1:12). Paul does not shy away from his own humanity; rather, he continues, “I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and an arrogant man” (1 Timothy 1:13). But rather than seeing his weakness as an obstacle to his vocation, Paul uses it as an opportunity to praise God for His generosity.
When I think of all of the relationships and responsibilities with which the Lord has entrusted me throughout my life, I am in awe that He has “considered me trustworthy” over and over again. How kind is our God that even after I have been unfaithful, even after I have made mistakes, He continues to give me new opportunities to glorify Him.
Our Lord wants us to have a part in His work of creation and His plan of redemption—so much that He is willing to trust us. He knows full well our every imperfection, as He knew Paul’s, and still He invites us each to embrace the work, or community, or cross, or person He puts before us—however inadequate we may feel. Happily for us, we can count on the Lord to strengthen us for our callings as only He can, just as He did for Saint Paul.
Relate to the Lord // Prayerfully reflect on how your weakness is not an obstacle, but instead praise God for “new opportunities to glorify Him.”
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