Rev'd James M. Hairston

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.

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. Only let us hold fast to what we have attained.

Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. 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. Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 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.

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.”

-Philippians 3:14 – 4:1

REFLECTION

The Second Sunday of Lent is an interesting time of the Lenten Season. It falls right after the first full week of Lent. In many ways, its similar to the week after New Years Day in the United States. Without a doubt, numerous Christians who vowed to fast from various indulgences, have already slipped and partaken in said vices. I have received a couple of phone calls from worried parishioners. These are good Christians are worried about the state of their soul due to their broken vow with the Holy God.

Rather than lie and attempt to scare the parishioners, I told the truth; in the end, focusing on God is the purpose of the fast. It doesn’t matter if one obtains from food for a long time, if he/she does not reflect on God. All that proves is that the person has great stamina! I believe that God would rather have a child of his, sin and repent, than sin and act as if its not sin.

 – JMH+