Forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus.
Singer and songwriter Bob Dylan is the subject of a recent biographical film “A Complete Unknown.” I have yet to see the film but intrigued to know a little more about this music icon, I started listening to some of his music which I was not familiar with. In doing so, I came across a song he released in 1980 called “Pressing On.” It’s a gospel-styled song with Dylan singing and playing piano. Its driving spirit accompanies lyrics like,
“Well, I’m pressing on to the higher calling of my Lord. Many try to stop me, shake me up in my mind, say, “Prove to me that He is Lord, show me a sign.”
“Shake the dust off of your feet, don’t look back. Nothing now can hold you down, nothing that you lack. Well, I am pressing on.”
Commentators have stated that the song and lyrics are an expression of Bob Dylan’s faith and the lyrics themselves are taken in part from the above passage from today’s second reading. The words “straining forward” are a translation of the Greek word diōkō, translated into English as pressing on. The song captures the spirit of St. Paul’s words, admonishing us to move forward, not allowing ourselves to be defined by the past. Ironically, Dylan often ended his concerts with this song. Seeming to say that the show is over – but we keep moving forward.
Lent is all about pressing on. Letting go of past hurts is difficult for us, but not for God. Throughout these days of Lent, we are called to be reconciled with God, with others and even our past. In fact, the greatest stumbling block to us “feeling” reconciled is ourselves. We hear the words of forgiveness from someone we have offended, or we listen to the words of absolution offered by the priest—and we still feel burdened. Asking for grace to feel forgiveness and to believe in our hearts that we are forgiven is an important aspect of spiritual life. It also helps to begin a different path or pattern of life and therefore to press on by the grace of God.
As we draw close to the end of our Lenten journey and move into the celebration of the Lord’s Passion, we recognize our Lord who presses on so we might be saved. Like Simon of Cyrene, Veronica and the other woman Jesus encounters on the way of the cross, we are called to press on with him to Calvary, dying to sin and rising to life.
SOUP SUPPER – Our Lenten Soup Supper is this Wednesday. Please plan to join us for a simple meal and a moment of solidarity with the poor.
OPERATION RICE BOWL – Your Operation Rice Bowl money can be dropped off at the rectory office or placed in the offertory collection basket and marked Operation Rice Bowl. Also, you can use the QR code on the Rice Bowl box. Bills or checks only please.
Peace,
