Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
In today’s scripture reading, St. Paul is nearing the end of his apostolic mission. He tells Timothy that he is already “poured out like a libation.” (2 Tim 4:6) This descriptive phrase struck me as I reflected Paul’s message. How is St. Paul being poured out, and how are we called to do the same?
St. Paul traveled many miles to share his faith in Christ. But in this passage to Timothy he realizes that his end is near. What was Paul trying to say when he explains that he was being poured out as a libation? When I researched the definition of libation, I was surprised to find out it means “a drink poured out as an offering to a deity.” St. Paul describes the gift of himself and all he has done to spread the faith as an “offering to God.” When I reflect on a liquid being “poured out” it seems that a small amount of liquid in a container spreads over a large area when placed on a surface. If you have ever spilled something on the floor, you have probably experienced that it seems like there is so much more covering the floor than what was originally in the container. St. Paul gave everything he had to share the Good News about Jesus. Although just one person, because of his “proclamation” he spread the gospel so “all the Gentiles might hear it” Just like that small amount of liquid being poured out, Paul spreads the faith across many lands to many people.
When liquid is poured out, it leaves an empty container that can be refilled again. St. Paul emptied himself, so he could be filled with Christ. St. Paul recognizes who fills Him with all that he needs. “The Lord stood by me and gave me the strength.” (2 Tim 4:17) Paul is the “empty vessel” that allows Christ to fill him, so he can pour himself out for the many. He tells Timothy that “I have kept the faith” but he knows that this faith was a gift given to him from God. Paul also reminds Timothy (and all of us) that Jesus will give him the crown of righteousness, but this crown will also be given to all who “long for his appearance.” St. Paul approaches the end of his life convinced of God’s protection and love. Although his life was filled with trials, sufferings, rejection, and sacrifice, St. Paul never stopped pouring himself out for God because he knew that God would always provide for all that he needed and lead him home to heaven.
St. Peter also possesses the gift of faith when He proclaims to Jesus “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Mt 16: 16) Jesus reminds Peter that this faith is a gift given by God the Father. This belief in Jesus as the Christ was not something that was revealed by “flesh and blood”, but it was Peter’s openness (and emptiness) that allowed God to place within him the faith he professed. St. Peter also was “poured out” for Christ. He gave of himself (to the point of dying on a cross) to allow his faith to be shared by others across the land.
As disciples of Christ, how are we called to be “poured out” for God? Most of us live in a place where we probably will not suffer death as a result of our faith. I believe that for us to be “poured out” we must be open and empty so we can receive God’s grace. This requires a relationship with God where we spend time in prayer and allow ourselves to be receptive to Him. Through prayer, we need to learn how to “get out of the way” by trying not to allow our wishes or wants to come first. St. Ignatius would call this “holy indifference” since we truly are indifferent to the outcome “not preferring health to sickness, riches to poverty, honor to humiliation, long life to a short one. We wish only for those conditions that will aid our pursuit of the goal for which we have been created.”(St. Ignatius -Spiritual Exercises) This indifference requires great trust in God’s love and belief that He will always be with us. Once we can trust in this way, we can become an “empty vessel” which He fills with all that we need to do His will. We then are sent forth to be “poured out” for others, so the world can know His goodness and grace. Although each of us is only one person, and our individual actions may seem insignificant, we can be like St. Paul and St. Peter and spread our faith to many people and places. When we do this then we become the libation that St. Paul describes- the sacrifice poured out for God to give him worship and glory.
Heavenly Father, you sent Jesus to share your love with us. Help us to know and trust in your love completely. With the faith that you give to us, help us to allow your grace to flow through us so we can become your vessels. May your Spirit fill us so we can be poured out and in our surrender bring your glory and praise. We pray this through Christ, our LORD. Amen.
- Marylynn Herchline