6 November, Wednesday — Earning Nothing, Gaining Everything

Wednesday of Week 31 in Ordinary Time

Phi 2:12-18
Lk 14:25-33

…work for your salvation ‘in fear and trembling.’ It is God, for his own loving purpose who puts both the will and the action into you.

A fortnight ago, I completed a half marathon. In the weeks leading up to race day, I would rise at dawn, lace up, and hit the park connector near my home. I would push through the soreness, the sleepiness, and even those mornings when I would rather do anything other than a run. Why? Because that finish line was something I had to earn; no one could hand it to me. Getting there took time, tenacity, and tireless dedication. That’s what it means to work for something.

But when Paul talks about “work[ing] for” our salvation, he is not saying it is  something we earn, like crossing a marathon finish line. Salvation is a gift from God — a gift that we respond to, not something we achieve on our own. God is the one who gives us the desire and strength to live out our faith. To put it simply, we can’t ‘work for’ what God hasn’t already ‘worked into’ us.

Imagine preparing a meal for friends — you can only serve them because you already have the ingredients and skills. In the same way, we can only live out our faith because God has already placed His love, grace, and strength within us.

And as we work for our salvation, Paul says to do it with “fear and trembling.” This is not about being afraid or worried about doing enough; it is about being in awe of God’s incredible goodness. Just like the woman who was healed by touching Jesus’ garment was overcome with awe, we too can approach God with a sense of wonder and gratitude for what He’s done in us.

Unlike a marathon, where the finish line depends solely on our own strength, our faith journey is powered by God’s work within us. So let us lean on Him, responding with a heart full of awe and trust in His unending goodness.

(Today’s OXYGEN by Stacey Fernandez)

Prayer: Lord, when I feel I lack the desire to be patient, kind or forgiving, help me remember that I am not alone. I trust You to work in me.

Thanksgiving: Jesus, thank you for giving me both the desire and ability to carry out Your will.