In this reading we’re shown Paul’s attitude with regard to the importance of faith. Paul regards the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus as a gift beyond measure. We can see that Paul valued his life “under the law,” being brought up in its traditions and practices, but it is through his faith that he pushes forward towards “the prize of God’s upward call in Christ Jesus.” We need to be reminded that what we do for ourselves, the things of the world, or of the flesh, as Paul put it, all that we put into practice and that we think make us right with God, are not the ultimate prize. He believes that the procedural parts of our walk, the external observances and rites, are not the means by which we come to grace. Walking in the footsteps of Jesus, always moving onwards and upwards, this is the great walk of faith that makes all our other efforts pale in comparison. Spiritual practice and tradition lift us and enrich us, they facilitate this movement towards the sacred; in a way they are the path that we choose to take, or that we have been brought up to take. But, ultimately, without faith through God’s grace, the final destination will be out of reach. Our human efforts are not enough to make the climb. What Paul holds up to us in no uncertain terms is the power of Jesus’ resurrection, and the righteousness from God that comes through faith, faith above all things, through God’s grace.
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