Time Pressing On
Beginning Once More
Saint Paul stirs us with this challenging summons: “Forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Phil.3:13-14).
As I step back and slowly read his proclamation I fear that the first part of his advisement “to forget what is behind” isn’t always an easy step to take. It’s not impossible. Just more challenging than St. Paul makes it sound. Alas, memories past have a way of tripping us up!
The second half of his directive “I press on toward the goal” seems more manageable. If we can only muster our powers to stay focused. To be disciplined. To keep looking forward. To push ahead step by step. To stay concentrated on our goal. We can do this—it’s hard but doable.
In spite of the maxim’s demanding nature I am drawn to the heart of it. To not be bogged down by past failures but be liberated by the Spirit’s freeing presence. To press ahead with the revitalizing truth that God’s “yes” is greater than any “no” that we once mumbled “in the Slough of Despond.”
On this New Year’s Day I need to hear the positivity of the apostle’s manifesto. “Let’s not focus on the past but press ahead into the future with enthusiasm.” “Much is still to be done! The kingdom awaits us!” Or, as Rahner encourages us once again:
One can fall into despair or melancholy when one realizes on New Year’s Eve that yet another part of one’s earthly life is irrevocably past. But time presses on toward God and eternity, not toward the past and destruction. And so—in God’s name! (Karl Rahner)
“And so—in God’s name” we press ahead with spirit and strength. Let us stoutheartedly cross the threshold of the new year because “the name of the Lord” shines above it as “the year of the Lord.”’
Happy New Year Pastor Alan. I totally agree...press on toward the goal” seems more manageable and FOCUS is key. Well recently focus is an issue for me but keep me in prayers. I told someone recently that the past is too much it's easy for me to talk with the Holy Spirit as He knows all about it and I will say less.
So to manage ourselves is living by the Word and it's very very hard, I guess why Manna fell daily and Jesus taught us the Our Father prayer...daily bread from the Bread of life.
So you are right we need focus and the Revealer and Comforter to daily walk.... blessings Pastor Alan.
Thanks Donnett. Receiving the manna from God each day and digesting it as our soul food is certainly the way to start off our year in 2025. May we do so together and give our all for God’s kingdom.