1015 Reflection -- Philippians 4:1-9

Upcoming Sunday Epistle Readings

Sunday 15 October 2017

Philippians 4:1-9

My brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

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Paul calls on the Philippians to rejoice.  They are to give thanks for the nearness of the Lord.  Remember how the previous chapter ended also.  It is not merely the near presence that causes rejoicing.  Paul, it seems, is also calling the faithful to rejoice in the fact that they belong to Christ.  So also we should rejoice, for we too belong to Christ.  We have received an inheritance of eternal life through Christ who has broken into our midst to claim us for God.  That inheritance, and the joy it brings, enable us to bring our joys and concerns, and all other emotions and needs that we have, longing for Christ to hear and to respond for our good, and the good of the whole earth.

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Father Timothy Alleman