Paul's farewell speech to the people of Ephesus

Today, in the first reading from Acts 20:17-27 we hear Paul's farewell speech to the elders of the church of Ephesus. First of all, he looks back to the past - to the day when he arrived in Ephesus and to his time among these people of Ephesus. He has devoted his life in service, despite trials and difficulties, through his preaching about Jesus and his efforts to persuade people to turn to God and believe in Jesus. Secondly, he looks at the present - as he prepares to make his way to Jerusalem. While he faces an uncertain future, the Holy Spirit has made known to him over the course of his missionary journey that he looks likely to face imprisonment and persecution. Thirdly, as he looks to the future. Paul is sure he will never meet his friends, the people of Ephesus, again. But he feels at peace knowing that he has been open and honest in preaching to them about God's purpose for all creation. This is very different from his other speeches, like the one he delivered to the elders in Athens, where he is confident, determined and argumentative. In those speeches he was the great debater, the man of faith seeking to convince others that Jesus had revealed to him the true way to God. Now, as he prepares to leave Ephesus there is sadness, uncertainty and yet peace. In a way, it shows the very human side of Paul, that side we can all identify with. Paul is no different from all of us for when the time comes to say farewell it is never easy.