“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)

As Christians, our whole lives are to bring glory to God, even amidst sufferings and death. Paul understood this because he had suffered greatly for Christ, enduring hatred, ridicule, scorn, beatings, stoning, imprisonment…and even being shipwrecked. Yet Paul found joy in his afflictions, because they strengthened and emboldened his faith and commitment exponentially. He fully understood, as should we, that what we lose in life will be our gain in heaven.

Fr. John