It is Paul's conviction that the situation in which he finds himself will result in his salvation. Even his imprisonment, and even the almost hostile preaching of his personal enemies, will in the end turn out to his salvation. Paul knows that he has two great supports: the prayers of his friends and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The presence of the Holy Spirit is part of the fulfilment of Jesus' promise that he will be with us to the end of the world.

Today's Gospel speaks about humility. Humility has always been one of the characteristics of great people. When the English author Thomas Hardy was famous he used sometimes to submit a poem to a newspaper, and always with it a stamped and addressed envelope for the return of his manuscript in case it would be rejected. We can retain our humility by realizing the facts. However much we know, we still know very little compared with the sum total of knowledge. However much we have achieved, we still have achieved very little in the end. However important we may believe ourselves to be, when death removes us or when we retire from our position, life and work will go on just the same.