First Reading

Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our savior

and of Christ Jesus our hope,

to Timothy, my true child in faith:

grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father

and Christ Jesus our Lord.

I am grateful to him who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord,

because he considered me trustworthy

in appointing me to the ministry.

I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and an arrogant man,

but I have been mercifully treated

because I acted out of ignorance in my unbelief.

Indeed, the grace of our Lord has been abundant,

along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.