Scripture Reading: 2 Tim 4:6-7
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Now there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that Day; and not to me only, but also to all those who love His appearing.

Reflection: Paul was ready to die and awaited this event with joy. It was clear that he was not in the least afraid to die. In his letter to Timothy, he explains why. He tells him he has fought a good fight, finished his course and has kept the faith. For this reason, he concludes ‘there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness’. By this submission, Paul reminds us that we must live in readiness for eternity and work towards an eternal reward. To fight a good fight is to ensure that you resist any effort to keep you away from the path of righteousness. To finish your course is to accomplish your God given purpose in life. To keep the faith summarizes your unwavering, continues and unflinching commitment to righteousness and living a life of divine purpose and obedience. How ready are you for eternity? How sure are you that you will gain access to eternal rewards? You must begin to live in readiness for eternity and work towards eternal rewards!