Click here to read the daily readings from the USCCB website.
"But whatever gains I had,
these I have come to consider a loss because of Christ.
more than that, I even consider everything as a loss
because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord."
How much do I value the gift of my relationship with Jesus?
Do I count all else as loss in comparison to the privilege of be a beloved of Christ?
Loss is a pretty weak work compared to the word Paul really uses in the original language. Do I count all as rubbish? As garbage? As poop? In fact, the word Paul uses is much closer to that four letter word for poop than "loss" is.
This isn't to say that we can't enjoy the good things in life, but Jesus wants them to be properly ordered in our lives. Don't confuse the gift for the giver. We don't love our families for the good gifts they give us, we love the gifts because it is our family that gave them.
But I acknowledge that I am a selfish person. I like indulging myself with good food, good drink, good times. I like catering to my own every whim by doing what I want, when I want. But in a life like that, do I love myself more than Jesus?
Like any relationship, our relationship with Jesus takes work. We have to make the decision to do the things we don't naturally want to do. That's how we build up the muscles of love. We have to choose it. Choose to pray. Choose to deny yourself that little treat you wanted. Choose to refrain from meat on Fridays... every Friday. Choose to do penance every day. Choose to love yourself, your family, and your God well. That's how you'll learn to value the right priorities.
-Amanda Benner, Director of Evangelization