Eighth Sunday after Pentecost (NTA)

Philippians 3:1-11

Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.

² Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. ³ For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— ⁴ though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: ⁵ circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; ⁶ as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. ⁷ But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. ⁸ Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ ⁹ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— ¹⁰ that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹ that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

St Paul is more than happy to tell people that he has taken up his cross and followed Jesus. He is also more than happy to say his status among the Jews. He is truly a talented individual. He has truly been blessed by God with an understanding of doctrine, while also leading a Godly life. But all this does not compare to the grace he receives in Jesus Christ.

This almost is boastful, but then he turns it into praise as he would count it all as loss for the sake of Christ. It is not until the end when he finally compares himself with the Christ, St Paul asks to be able to die, so that he may attain the resurrection from the dead. But the real goal for all of us is to be renewed by God, and once again made Holy.

We often boast in our own strengths. We take pride in being a member of a certain church. We talk down about other denominations. We even disregard people that do not baptize infants (or vice versa depending on your belief). We have all kinds of standards by which we judge one another.

Let it be very simple. Measure yourself to Christ, and tell me if you measure up. Measure yourself to St Paul, and tell me if you measure up. Measure yourself to your neighbor, and remember that Christ died for him also. Christ died for you, and he comes to make you like himself. This is why St Paul looks forward to the resurrection from the dead, when all who believe will be made like Christ.