Today we are reading from 2 Timothy 1:15-18:

15 You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.

16 May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. 17 On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. 18 May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus.

Paul’s life was hard. He suffered, mightily for the cause of Jesus.  He preached before kings and leaders, he was beaten and left for dead.  He was abandoned, he was cast aside, and eventually, he would be killed for his faith.

He also had close friends.  He had folks in his life like Timothy, like Titus, like Barnabas.  Those he worked hand and hand with for the sake of the Gospel.  He had those he loved and those who loved him.

Today, we see Paul mourn the fact that he was betrayed and abandoned, and we see him celebrate those who were loyal to him.  We’ve been there, in both situations, haven’t we?  I’m sure every one of us has had someone we love do what kids call “ghosting” where they pretend like we don’t exist. And likewise, I’m sure each of us has, at least one person in our lives who would walk through hell with us and for us. 

It is good for to grieve those who we have lost through the years and to rejoice over those who are with us, even now.

But it is also good for us to ask ourselves how have done?  Who are the people in our lives who we have failed and been disloyal to?  Can you name that person?  There is still time, as long as you are breathing, to make it right.

And who are the people that you are a good friends to?  Can you name them?  Today, how can you continue to be a friend and brother or sister to them?

Paul has experienced betrayal and loyalty. So have we.  And most likely, so have done. Today, let’s work to make things right and let’s rejoice in faithfulness. 

And let’s see to be loyal to Jesus Christ, and His Gospel, above all else!

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