Paul's letter to the Philippians has some of the oldest and most profound ideas to be found in the Christian faith.  What makes this letter so important for us today? 

Paul's letter to the Philippians was written while he was in prison.  Paul's attitude toward hardship and suffering is understood only through his amazing faith in Christ.  

Kenosis is to be emptied or poured out.  In the middle of the letter Paul references an old saying or hymn, perhaps the oldest known Christian saying - that Christ emptied himself and humbled himself to become human. 

The call of Jesus Christ leads us to live our lives differently than the rest of the world - this is increasingly true today!  Paul calls us to be lights in the world.

Paul declares that his past life, full of learning and honors from his Jewish peers, is just garbage in comparison to his work now.  Our past can be a significant burden to us - whether good or bad - how do we let it go? 

The spiritual journey is a hard one but Paul encourages the Philippians to press on as if it were a race worth winning.  

The spiritual journey is profoundly worth the sacrifice.  The Holy Spirit is our ultimate guide in this great adventure.  Let us bless our graduates today as they move on to their next challenge.