Just got back from Mass this morning. The epistle spoke of Paul’s relationship with Jesus. He calls all things “loss” in light of his knowledge of Jesus Christ. For Paul, his conversion experience must have been absolutely astounding, a complete surprise, a complete gift that was not requested by Paul; thus his emphasis on the centrality of the gift of faith and our responsibility in faith.
All of us have a calling also. An unmerited calling, as I am sure Paul would say, but a vocation nonetheless to which we have the ability to respond (responsiblity). Paul’s words today remind us that for us to respond fully, we must be willing to let go of all that is not of Christ, to adhere to Him and to our knowledge of (relationship with) Jesus our Lord. Yesterday’s Gospel reminds us of the same when Jesus says no one can be his disciple if unwilling to leave all behind. As John Paul II motto said: “Totus Tuus” (completely yours), which I interpret as meaning we are the Lord’s.
May Jesus reign in our hearts forever!
