Therefore, my brothers and sisters,
whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, 
in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved.
(Phil 4:1)

Paul really gets effusive in this letter to the Philippian community. But “my joy and crown” and “beloved” say it all. For all of us, to “stand firm in the Lord” is our challenge and our hope. Today’s photo is of the Baptistery of the Octagonal Basilica at Philippi.