Philippians 2:12-18 (NRSV)
Shine like stars in the world
Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Do all things without murmuring and arguing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world. It is by your holding fast to the word of life that I can boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out as a libation over the sacrifice and the offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you and in the same way you also must be glad and rejoice with me.
Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Do all things without murmuring and arguing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world. It is by your holding fast to the word of life that I can boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out as a libation over the sacrifice and the offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you and in the same way you also must be glad and rejoice with me.
Reflection
We can't save ourselves. Salvation in itself is a witness that we can't save ourselves. We need someone else to save us. That person is Jesus. It is a privilege and honor to be a Child of God. Along with this comes a responsibility. We live lives of high standards. We are disciples of Christ and strive to follow him in his actions and love. We are not the Light, but we carry the Light with us. We reflect the Light, being Christ, by loving and serving as Jesus loved and served. We have the Word to guide us and show us the way. We have the Sacraments to demonstrate God's grace here in this world we live. And we live in the hope and security of what Jesus has done for each one of us that we will remain in relationship with our God. We can't save ourselves, but we can rejoice in the Salvation gracefully given to us through Jesus. Thanks be to God!
Prayer
Father, as I bear witness to the Light of Jesus in this world teach me to love as you have love... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen
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