A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Philippians 3:12-14 

Brothers and sisters: I have not yet reached my goal, and I am not perfect. But Christ has taken hold of me. So, I keep on running and struggling to take hold of the prize. My friends, I don’t feel that I have already arrived. But I forget what is behind, and I struggle for what is ahead. I run toward the goal, so that I can win the prize of being called to heaven. This is the prize that God offers because of what Jesus Christ has done. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. 

Paul’s testimony was about the way to perfection and his zeal to be perfected. He was explaining that the work of the Lord was not yet complete in him. He was still pursuing his goal, doing the work of the Lord, reaching upward toward the prize. He had a past of persecuting Christians, but he was able to leave the past behind. To focus on moving forward, reaching upward, toward the prize of heavenly life, striving for perfection to be more like Jesus. 

Our Heavenly Father, we are in awe of your love and forgiveness. 

We thank you for your Son Jesus.  

He was an example of perfection, who died for our redemption. 

Teach us to rely on You, to leave the past behind, and reach upward toward the goal of becoming more like Jesus. 

Like the magnolia blossoms are open and reaching upward toward the sun, let us be open-hearted and reach upward toward the prize God has provided through Christ Jesus. 

In Jesus’ holy name. 

Amen. 

Carey Twidale

Middle Leader Living Your Faith