firstReading
First Reading
Philippians 1:18b-26
Philippians
1:18 What difference does it make, as long as in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is being proclaimed? And in that I rejoice. Indeed I shall continue to rejoice,
1:19 for I know that this will result in deliverance for me through your prayers and support from the Spirit of Jesus Christ.
1:20 My eager expectation and hope is that I shall not be put to shame in any way, but that with all boldness, now as always, Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.
1:21 For to me life is Christ, and death is gain.
1:22 If I go on living in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. And I do not know which I shall choose.
1:23 I am caught between the two. I long to depart this life and be with Christ, [for] that is far better.
1:24 Yet that I remain [in] the flesh is more necessary for your benefit.
1:25 And this I know with confidence, that I shall remain and continue in the service of all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,
1:26 so that your boasting in Christ Jesus may abound on account of me when I come to you again. III. Instructions for the Community - Steadfastness in Faith.