As I noted in the reflection for September 2nd, Paul speaks of faith, hope and love, but sometimes he uses the word "constancy" or "perseverance" instead of "hope". Towards the end of today's passage from the First Letter to Timothy, we are urged to "seek after integrity, piety, faith, love, steadfastness, and a gentle spirit." Steadfastness, perseverance, constancy, fidelity - the exact word we use may not be so important, but the attitude or the virtue is necessary to attain to eternal life. The Letter reminds us of our profession of faith which has called us to everlasting life. Jesus warned us of the many dangers facing us in the world but at the same time consoles us with a definite promise: "Those who stand firm will be saved." (Mt 24:13) Where there is God's promise, there is also God's grace. The Psalmist reminds us that "in no way can a man redeem himself." Then, too, listening to Jesus telling them how hard it is for those who trust only in riches to enter the kingdom of God, the disciples were driven to ask: "Who then can be saved?" Jesus answered with a combined warning and a promise: "For mere humans this is impossible but for God everything is possible." As Jesus rose from the dead, we know that salvation is not only possible: it is accessible because of God's gift of Jesus as our Saviour. The theological graces of faith, hope and love strengthen us to remain faithful unto death and so attain eternal life.