February 17, 2022
“Receive not the grace of God in vain.” —2 Corinthians 6:1
With these words, St. Paul launches into a recitation of all he has endured for the Gospel: “Patience, trials, in need, in distress, in beatings, imprisonment, tumults, and labors. In sleeplessness and fastings, in purity, knowledge, longsuffering, kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in love, by the Word of Truth, the power of God and the armor of righteousness. In honor and dishonor, being accused of being evil while doing good, labeled as deceivers, unknown yet known, dying, chastened, sorrowful, rejoicing, and in poverty.”
All this through grace! Grace received means responsibility accepted and a cross carried. It is not a “get out of hell free card.” Compared to Paul, a lot of my grace received seems pretty empty and fruitless. Yet it remains grace, the gift of God, not of works. It is truly amazing!
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