Strive to trust in the Lord...
Reflections on the readings for the twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (September 27, 2020): EZ 18:25-28; PS 25:4-5,8-9,10,14; PHIL 2:1-11; MT 21:28-32
MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
Today, in the letter from St. Paul to the Christian people of Philippi, Greece, we hear his deep concern for these men and women who are undergoing some difficulties and differences.
At all times, but perhaps especially when the world around us presents us with problems, we realize that while we are ultimately responsible for what we think and say and do, we are also closely joined to the lives of other people. Today, in the letter from St. Paul to the Christian people of Philippi, Greece, we hear his deep concern for these men and women who are undergoing some difficulties and differences. He had established this community that was the first on the European continent, and he felt close to them. He wanted them to remain at peace with each other. “Complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing. Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also for those of others. Have in you the same attitude that is also in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:2-5).
Paul goes on to praise Jesus, the Son of God, for His humility and obedience to the Eternal Father including the sacrifice of His own life. So, of course, Paul wants those who are Christians to emulate our Lord and to be united in looking out for the spiritual and material welfare of each other – as well as in serving God in all they do. If we, too, believe that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior, we must be willing to let God’s grace transform us. If we believe that everything Jesus promised to those who follow Him is real, we must accept the fact that we are called to change our outlook and our actions. We must resist the sin and selfishness that create animosity and put us at odds with one another. Instead, we need to strive both personally and as a community to trust our Lord, to put our hope in Him and to share His mercy with one another and with His people everywhere. This is the true way of Christ that Catholics and all who try to walk in His footsteps must willingly, gratefully and cheerfully accept.
