WEDNESDAY (October 7, 2020)
In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Gospel Sentence
“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14)
Reading
“For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3:8–11)
Meditation
After his conversion, Paul, the persecutor of Christians, becomes an instrument of Christ, bringing the good news of salvation and freedom to countless people. The way of Jesus seems upside down to the world we live in. Losing all to gain Christ? Gaining righteousness through Christ, not our own good works? Sharing in Christ’s sufferings? Gaining life through death? These are the realities of the Christian life. Mysterious yes, but real. We become like Christ in our baptism where we die to sin—the old Adam is drowned. We are given a new life, a new identity that is Christ Himself. We lose all things, even count them as rubbish, in order to gain this new life.
Silence
Prayer for Holy Cross Member
Be with Nikki this day, O Lord, and show her your great love throughout all the days of her life. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Prayer of the Week (from Sunday)
Gracious God, You gave Your Son into the hands of sinful men who killed Him. Forgive us when we reject Your unfailing love, and grant us the fullness of Your salvation; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Lord’s Prayer