Paul began his letter to Timothy by setting forth his credentials as an apostle of Christ. Although he had not walked with Jesus on earth, Paul had a personal encounter with Christ and experienced a profound conversion.

Paul admitted that he had persecuted Christians and had blasphemed in his former life, but he now had the privilege of serving the Lord by favour of God's grace and mercy. Paul was grateful. Gratitude opens us to receive God's mercy and grace continually.

The reading from Luke is a small portion of what is called the Sermon on the Plain. Luke's understanding of the Beatitudes was given earlier in the chapter and many other teachings of Jesus. Here Jesus concluded by reminding the people that a blind person could not lead another blind person. Thus, it is necessary for the disciple to truly know the teacher's meaning before teaching others. Then Jesus warned the people about judging others.

That is a particularly good teaching for us today. We are also reminded not to judge others because we also are imperfect.