Acknowledging His suffering just as we do His glory...
Reflections on the readings for the Second Sunday of Lent (March 17, 2019): GN 15:5-12,17-18; PS 27:1,7-8,8-9,13-14; PHIL 3:17 – 4:1; LK 9:28-36
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
On this second Sunday in Lent, we hear St. Paul admonishing the Christians at Philippi in Greece to beware of those who are enemies of the cross.
These people cannot grasp or refuse to accept the essential need for Jesus’ suffering. Nor do they see that we must be willing to accept our own hardships and unite them with those of Christ. Paul tells them to imitate him and others like him. While this may seem arrogant the great missionary is actually speaking the plain truth. Paul was dedicated solely to serving the Lord and drawing others close to Him. In fact, he wrote this letter while he was in prison, just one of the many adversities he faced in spreading the Good News.
Paul writes, “Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will change our lowly body by the power that enables Him also to bring all things into subjection to Himself” (Philippians 3:20-21). We must recognize that we are people of God, destined for life everlasting with Him. And anyone who cares more about embracing the ways of the world is at odds with Christ. If we live, instead, as citizens of heaven we will keep our focus on our Lord and His gift of salvation. And we will grow ever more ready to join God in His never-ending kingdom.
Suggested missionary action: We can make an effort to think more about eternal life and its meaning to us while we are still here on earth. And we can encourage those around us to grow in faith through our personal daily example – as humble, generous, loyal children of God.
