To the Ends of the Earth: Character – Week 7, Day 3 - We Must Fix Our Eyes on Jesus, the Source and Finisher of Our Faith
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Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brethren, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12–14
How do we endure until the end? How do we keep from losing heart as we face the trials and tribulations of life? Paul gives us some perspective. He took all his accomplishments, his status, and his gifts and threw them into the trash bin. He emptied his arms of all his earthly treasures so that he could take hold of the wealth of heaven that Jesus held out to him. He longed to gain Christ and to present himself clothed with the righteousness that came from sharing in the sufferings of his Savior and Lord. He preferred to be conformed to the death of Christ, rather than return to the life he had left behind.
There was an urgency to Paul’s quest to take hold of the One who had taken hold of him. Even at the end of his life, he continued to press on, ever following the upward calling of Christ. This is our goal too: to persevere in the race to heaven, enduring the strain of the struggle as it strengthens us to complete the goal and obtain what has been promised us in our baptism. We must press on with that same steadfast determination, so that we, too, may become mature followers of Christ.
Questions for Reflection
Why is it so hard sometimes to let go of the past in order to move forward in faith? What events from your former life still hold you back?
Is there anything in your life still that you must throw away in order to gain Christ? Are you ready and willing to cast it aside? How can your brothers support and pray for you?
What are some things you can do today to help you persevere in running the race?
Praying with Scripture
Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart. (Gal 6:9)
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Mark C. McCann is an author and Ministry Consultant with more than 30 years of writing and ministry experience. He has published articles for a number of Catholic magazines and websites including St. Anthony Messenger, Emmanuel Magazine, Liguorian Magazine, Catholic Stand, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He recently published the 4-volume Catholic men's devotional, To the Ends of the Earth, as well as the 2021 Advent Daybreaks devotional and 2022 Lenten Daybreaks devotional with Liguori Publishing. He has also released his End Times novel series, Jacob's Dream: The Vision and Jacob's Dream: The Final Battle. He was a radio host and producer for 8 years at a Connecticut Christian radio station and has worked as a Catholic religion teacher/campus minister and a parish youth minister. He has also served the Norwich, CT Diocese as a Youth Ministry Director and Family Life Director. He currently lives in Connecticut with his Proverbs 31 wife, where together they have brought up three incredible children. He strives each day to live out his call to be a man of words. You can learn more about Mark and his writing at www.wordsnvisions.com.
