“Just one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward the goal.” (Philippians 3:13-14)

St. Paul was imprisoned in Rome when he wrote this letter to the Christians at Philippi (year 62). Despite being imprisoned, Paul rejoices at the continuing progress of the gospel and expresses gratitude for the Philippians' renewed concern and help. St. Paul was imprisoned in Rome in year 60, released in year 63, when he went to preach in Spain, and returned to Rome a year later. During these years, he also wrote to the Hebrews, Jude, Titus, and the two letters to Timothy. He also went around and inspected the Eastern Churches in year 65. Finally, he and Peter died as martyrs in Rome.

Paul’s attitude towards life is one of enthusiasm and aggressiveness. He once said “I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having any righteousness of my own based on the law but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God, depending on faith to know him and the power of his resurrection and (the) sharing of his sufferings by being conformed to his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3:8-11)

St. Paul clearly fulfils the mission that Jesus had on him. Before his conversion, Jesus appeared to Ananias in a vision, saying, “Go, for this man is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before Gentiles, kings, and Israelites, and I will show him what he will have to suffer for my name.” (Acts 9:15-16)

Paul’s words – “Just one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward the goal.” – and Jesus’ words – “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God” - glorified each other.