Paul, the great apostle and evangelist to the Gentiles wrote toward the end of his life: 10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like Christ. Paul provides an example of a Christian as one who, by faith, sets as a goal to be Christlike. Paul makes it clear that this is not a goal that he can achieve through his actions, but Paul presses on, even as he writes this letter from prison. Paul presses on. Christ has made one full, perfect and sufficient sacrifice on Paul’s behalf, yet Paul commits to continue to takes action in this life. Paul tells us that he presses on always straining to move forward, not looking back, but ever moving toward the goal. Paul deliberately puts aside his past achievements (both positive and negative) and focuses all his energy on reaching the finish line. The “prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” is the ultimate reward of fully experiencing God’s presence and the fullness of salvation in the resurrection. It could be said that Paul’s goal is a deep, experiential union with Christ, characterized by knowing Christ intimately, sharing in Christ’s sufferings and in Christ’s resurrection power, and ultimately attaining the fullness of resurrection life with God. Paul pursues this goal with intense focus and determination, recognizing it as the ultimate prize of his Christian calling.
I am increasing convinced that Paul’s goal of a deep, experiential union with Christ is the goal that every follower of Jesus is called to press towards. Followers, each in their own way are called to share in Christ’s sufferings and in Christ’s resurrection power. Surely, to press on in this way trains us, equips us, to respond in difficult moments. In moments such as we’ve experienced these past 9 days, with the death of four parishioners. Surely, to press on sharing in Christ’s sufferings for the salvation of all calls us to commit ourselves, to commit our parish, to what we read on the cornerstone of this church – To the glory of God and for the salvation of all. Such training, responding to this call, prepares us to respond faithfully in the present moment of great uncertainty facing our country and our world. Relying of the resurrection power can surely assist us as as we respond to friends, neighbours, families reeling from the various circumstances in their lives.
In today’s gospel we have the example of Mary, the sister of Lazarus. In response to her plea, Lazarus has been raised from the dead by their mutual friend Jesus. What had been cause for great celebration has become a pivotal event in sealing Jesus arrest and ultimately his crucifixion and death. Wishing to honour her friend, risking the scorn of others, the accusations of the foolishness of her actions, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with costly perfume and wipes those feet that will soon be wounded by heavy nails fastening the to a cross. Mary’s costly sacrifice, monetarily and risky reputationally, is graciously received by Jesus. As a few days later he washes his disciples’ feet as a model of Christian love, I wonder whether he and the disciples remember Mary’s example of sacrificial love.
I encourage all of us to reflect upon the examples of Paul, Mary and Jesus. Examples that can stretch our imaginations with respect to the sacrifices to which we are called. Examples that can inspire us to embrace the resurrection power promised us through Jesus Christ.