Everything a Loss

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…

-Philippians 3:8-10

Today marks just over a week since we have begun our journey in the wilderness, known as Lent. I am proud to say that for at least this week, I have kept my Lenten devotions! While I am proud of that, today’s reading from Paul’s letter has certainly put things in perspective to the purpose of this Lent, which we all can need reminded of.

Paul speaks to the Philippians of how much he has to boast for. In his words, he is “a Hebrew of Hebrews, faultless with righteousness based on the law.” Yet, in the verses above, he realizes how little all these earthly accomplishments matter, when we are reminded that it is Christ who gives us our worth. As I boast of keeping my Lenten devotion, is it because I am reminded of who and whose I am in Jesus, or because of my own willpower? If it is the latter, than I like Paul, should consider this practice garbage. As we continue through Lent, let us do so seeking not to boast of our own willpower, but more to “know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.”

-Fr. Michael Sahdev

Let us pray…

Oh Lord Jesus Christ, by your almighty power you opened the eyes of the blind, and showed yourself to them. Turn our eyes away from worthless things, and lead us to love you sincerely; through your mercy,  O our God, you are blessed, and live and govern all things, now and forever. Amen.