(Please read the passage cited above first.)
My sisters and brothers,
A long time ago (when I was much older!) I used to go on bike hikes with the youth of the parish. I always wanted them to finish the hike. They all had to get home so that I would know they were safe.
St Paul was on a journey to Christ in his glory. He wanted very much to be with Christ at journey’s end, but he had to lead the others to the end of the journey, not just arrive by himself. He wanted to be with Christ, but his duty called him to work for the rest of the Christians.
The work of an apostle is never done until all have made it to Christ in his glory. A dad’s work or a mom’s work is never done until the child reaches full maturity. Our work is not done until we complete our journey. The journey is very important. No journey, no arrival at the end successfully.
Like Paul, we want to die and be with Christ, which is the better thing, but the wanting to remain in this life (or the good that is the journey) is necessary for the wellbeing of the others.
I admire all of you. I know a little about your journey here. I know a little of the dangers and the sufferings, of the hardships and pains endured on your journey. You give a lot of support to your family, both those here and those in your hometown. As Paul said to the Philippians, you have remained faithful.
So, continue to conduct yourselves in a way worthy of the Gospel of Christ.