From today’s New Testament reading, from 1 Timothy: ‘I thank him who has given me strength for this, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful by appointing me to his service, though I formerly blasphemed and persecuted and insulted him; but I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus’.

St John Chrysostom comments: ‘The advantages arising from humility are generally acknowledged, and yet it is a thing not easily to be met with. There is affectation of humble talking enough and to spare, but humbleness of mind is nowhere to be found. This quality was so cultivated by the blessed Paul, that he is ever looking out for inducements to be humble. They who are conscious to themselves of great merits must struggle much with themselves if they would be humble. …Thus everywhere, we see, he conceals his own merit, and ascribes everything to God, yet so far only, as not to take away free will’.

May the life and conversion of St Paul ever be an inspiration to us, to rely fully on the mercy of God to transform our hearts and our actions. May God bless you this day.