The Philippians have generously given Paul a gift for his work. Paul wishes to show that he appreciates their generosity, but at the same time that he is not dependent on such things for contentment. He tells them that he is able to be content in any circumstances, good or bad, because of his relationship with Christ who strengthens him.
Before Paul of Tarsus met Jesus on the road to Damascus he tried to lead the life of a perfect Pharisee. He prided himself on this. He obeyed the law to the letter. But after he met Christ he would describe that life as emptiness. He could write, “I believe nothing can happen that will outweigh the supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” Knowledge of Christ and oneness with Him was all that mattered. Everything else he described as disadvantages.
Work for salvation “in fear and trembling” is what Saint Paul advises the Philippians in the First Reading today. But can you imagine our loving Father wanting us to go around all the time shaking in fear? Most certainly not! This was Paul’s way of emphasizing, “Have at the front of your mind at all times the salvation of your soul. Let nothing come between you and God.”
Jesus tells us that the second commandment is, “Love one another as I have loved you.” Saint Paul tells us how we are to achieve this in the First Reading today - we must be united in our convictions and united in our love. And Paul tells us that would make him happy! We must do nothing out of selfishness but rather regard others as more important than ourselves.
Is there more crime and violence in our day than in previous times? Or is it that we hear more about them because of increased news coverage? Whatever the truth there is no doubt we are constantly bombarded with stories of human tragedy and depravity. But how are we, as Christians, relating to these?
Submitted by Father Francis on Saturday, 07 November 2015
Rom. 16:3-9, 16 22-27 & Lk. 16:9-15
When someone of dignity or authority calls you by your first name you may feel honoured. In concluding his great letter to the Romans, Saint Paul mentions some of the Christians individually. You can imagine how honoured they felt that the renowned Paul himself would think so much of them as to give them special mention! We can also sense a spirit of great affection running through this final passage.
Submitted by Father Francis on Friday, 06 November 2015
Rom. 15:14-21 & Lk. 16:1-8
Saint Paul experienced God's love in a personal and intimate way. He found such joy and hope through his relationship with the Lord that he could not help but tell everyone!
Submitted by Father Francis on Thursday, 05 November 2015
Rom. 14:7-12 & Lk. 15:1-10
Aware that the Christians in Rome were squabbling and that some considered themselves better than others, Saint Paul said to them, "You should never pass judgement on a brother or treat him with contempt.” (Rom. 14:10). After all, he argued, all Christians have given their lives to the Lord and therefore belong to Him. (Rom.14:7-9) What’s more, “We will all have to stand before the judgement seat of God. (Rom. 14:10). Since God is the Judge, Paul exhorts us to stop judging our brothers and sisters and to look to our own relationship with God.
