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To see the day’s scripture reading and reflection, click the arrow next to the date.

By Marivel Ramirez Miranda, Associate, Nuevo Chimbote, Peru 

Join with others in being imitators of me, brothers and sisters, 
and observe those who thus conduct themselves 
according to the model you have in us. 
For many, as I have often told you 
and now tell you even in tears, 
conduct themselves as enemies of the cross of Christ. 
Their end is destruction. 
Their God is their stomach; 
their glory is in their “shame.” 
Their minds are occupied with earthly things. 
But our citizenship is in heaven, 
and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Philippians 3:17-20 

The apostle Paul urges the Philippians to imitate his example and that of other believers who live according to the teachings of Christ. This reminds us how important it is to have examples that inspire us and guide us along the path of faith and mercy but also warns of those who live focused on earthly pleasures, causing damage to humanity and our Mother Earth. This should remind us to examine our personal motivations and make sure that we are not falling into the same attitude. 

We might ask ourselves, who are we imitating in our Christian lives? Are we following the example of Christ and of those who live according to his teachings? 

May our personal reflection motivate us to live according to our Christian identity and always seek out the eternal values that we find in the gospel.