March 30, 2021 FPCLA Lenten Word Meditation

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Today’s Lenten word comes from Philippians 3:12-21 NRSV
 

12 Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about anything, this too God will reveal to you. 16 Only let us hold fast to what we have attained.

 
17 Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. 18 For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. 19 Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21 He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself.
 
Today’s meditation word(s) is straining forward. It comes from the Greek word epekteinó meaning to extend and to stretch forward.
 
Yesterday, I wrote that I rejected Christian ideologies, specifically the European/American ideologies, that has been embedded in me, my family, and my culture. The journey was mental and emotional because people in my then circle will see my transforming faith and belief as temptation and trial. And I know that I needed a community and people to help me understand my transforming belief and my faith in God, and Jesus. Moving forward, I found communities and people who helped me and still helping me answer questions and understand my faith and belief; read the Christian canon through different lenses especially through the lenses of people who are marginalized, etc.
 
I will not be like Paul who will forget the past. I will not forget my past belief. Because my past belief reminds me how I failed and maybe keep failing to love God, others and self. And as I move forward in my transforming faith and belief, it is my hope and prayer that I will be able to follow the greatest command: to love God, others, and self, told my Jesus. Amen.

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