Today’s set reading from Philippians, for Holy Communion this morning, has a word of direction and encouragement for us, as the month gets underway.
St Paul writes: “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3: 7-14)
Just now I find that there is a whole mix of emotions. New things are starting. The year is underway. We can find ourselves distracted by past events, or interactions with others, that can prevent us seeing what is happening now, and how to respond. Also, last week I talked about the priority of worship. Yes lovely, but even that is not always easy as things crowd in.
Paul tells us to press on, keep going, and forget what lies behind. This may mean past events that have an emotional effect on us – maybe unresolved conflict or difficulty, that actually do not have relevance now. We can be so affected by the wounds of past hurts that we cannot see the present. Often there is a new set of circumstances, or people may have moved on. We must beware loading the burden of past events on to present colleagues. Forgiveness too, for ourselves, and from us to others, is part of this. Thank God for God – that is part of the peace of mind that Jesus gives to all who turn to him. God’s Holy Spirit can heal past hurts.
So, we can turn and look ahead. See the opportunities. As we focus on Jesus and his relationship with us we can find our priorities being reset. It is often helpful to set aside time to listen to a favourite hymn or worship song. Talk to others. Pray with each other. All people of faith have this experience.
Eyes up - always seeking our Lord. He is there welcoming us on.
Eyes up also reminds us of each other. Too often we walk along locked into our phone screen. We do not see the presence of others – and miss the opportunity of receiving an encouraging word, or even simply a glance, from someone. When people overflow with hope by the power of the Spirit (Romans 15: 13), God reaches others through them. We can be part of his divine conversation.
So - Press on, look ahead, eyes up – a motto for 2025.
Nigel Rawlinson – Chaplain
17-1-25
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