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Ordinary Time · Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles: Day Mass · Year C

2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18

I Have Finished the Race

June 29, 2028

Terracotta Panathenaic Prize Amphora (runners), Attributed to the Euphiletos Painter
Terracotta Panathenaic Prize Amphora (runners), Attributed to the Euphiletos Painter, ca. 530 BCEThe Metropolitan Museum of Art
Four runners painted round the belly of the jar that was itself the prize, filled with oil and handed to the winner.I have competed well, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me.Attributed to the Euphiletos PainterA potter of archaic Athens, painting the thing the race was run for onto the thing the race was run for.The Metropolitan Museum of ArtThe Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Roman Lectionary
GospelMatt. 16:13-19Mt 16:13-19
Second Reading2 Tim. 4:6-8, 17-182 Tm 4:6-8, 17-18
First ReadingActs 12:1-11
Responsorial PsalmPs. 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 (5b)Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 (5b)

Overview & Insights

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7)

Paul writes near the end of his life, poured out like a libation and ready for departure. He looks to the crown of righteousness laid up for him, and testifies that the Lord stood by him and will rescue him for the heavenly kingdom.

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Take it further: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18

Commentary

2 Timothy 4 Commentary2 Tm 4 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik

Covers Paul's final charge and his reflection on finishing the race.

2 Timothy 4:6 Commentaries2 Tm 4:6 Commentaries BibleHub

Classic commentary on Paul being poured out as a drink offering.

2 Timothy 4 (Barnes' Notes)2 Tm 4 (Barnes' Notes) StudyLight

Detailed notes on Paul's closing testimony.

2 Timothy 4:5-13 Commentary2 Tm 4:5-13 Commentary Precept Austin

Verse-by-verse word study covering the drink-offering passage.

2 Timothy 4:6 Interlinear2 Tm 4:6 Interlinear BibleHub

Greek interlinear for Paul's closing testimony.

Background & Word Study

2 Timothy2 Tm BibleProject

Overview of 2 Timothy's themes of endurance and faithfulness.

The Church Fathers

Homily 9 on Second Timothy New Advent · Church Fathers

Chrysostom expounds Paul's drink-offering image at length.

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