This week we continue our journey through the book of Philippians. Having drawn the church’s attention to the example of Christ, Paul challenges them to live accordingly into the salvation they have received. To “work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12) as you “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27).
Remember the content of the gospel: Jesus is Lord!
“Christian commitment means losing one’s life in order to find it, forfeiting the whole world but gaining one’s soul” (Frank Thielman, 161)
This week’s scripture focus: Read Philippians 2:12-30
Reflect on the prayer of St. Francis:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life. Amen