One of my favorite Scripture verses is in this coming Sunday’s Second Reading at Mass.

…I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

I used to summit mountains.

I’d train and train, getting myself ready to make the climb to a summit and back down in a day hike.

I needed to drink lots of water and an electrolyte drink to keep my body hydrated.

I needed to eat the right type of food at the right time to keep my body fueled. I needed to pack my daypack wisely with food, water, layers, emergency supplies, sun protection and sometimes with snow and ice supplies.

I read books about mountain summiting and learned about being out there at high altitudes.

After all that work was done and the day came to hike up, my spirit soared! Many describe the mountains as God’s country, and I totally agree.

Sometimes on a mountain trail I could not see the summit as I hiked up, but I knew it was there, calling me.

That’s when Philippians 3:14 took on deep meaning for me.

God is calling me to keep the eyes of my heart, mind, and soul on the goal of His love – Jesus.



As I begin this fourth week of Lent, God is reminding me – don’t look back judgmentally on myself and how I’ve been doing the Lenten disciplines of praying, fasting, and almsgiving.

Keep going, pursuing those disciplines as I strive to grow closer to Jesus and to be ready for the new life He will bring me at Easter.

If the weather allows, I think some hiking is in order this week! 

Blessings of pursuing the Goal!