DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Monday, January 8, 2019

Paul draws his letter to the Philippians to a close … “Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.” – Philippians 4:8-9

“Keep your eye on the target.  Keep your eye on the ball.”  In sports this counsel is proven over and over to be true.  And here, in his closing words to the Church at Philippi, Paul counsels his Loved Ones to keep focusing on the virtuous qualities, that which true, honorable, just, pleasing, commendable, sterling with excellence and that which is genuinely worthy of praise.

He cautions his Loved Ones not to turn your focus on distracting lights.  Let not the love of money distract you.  Let not the quest for worldly power distract you.  Let not the latest trend distract you.  Let not the fire of zealous causes distract you.  Let not the mesmerizing preacher distract you.  Let not the temptation to hybrid your faith with nationalism or other worldly ideology.  No keep your eyes on that which is actually true and not presumably true.  Keep your eyes on the honorable conduct of one’s life and not on that which eventually brings dishonor.  Keep your eyes on justice for all and not on that which favors you.  Keep your eyes on that which is pleasing to God and not on what at first look, is pleasing to you.  Keep your eyes on what is commendable and not so much on what is profitable.  Keep your eyes on that which is excellent in quality and truly of lasting worth.

I suggest, Loved Ones, that these words of Paul might be placed on your mirror, so each morning you are once again reminded.

Always in Christ’s Service,

Fr. Charitas de la Cruz