If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing.Phil 2:1
Some may look at St. Paul’s writings and see a man who is overly serious or sometimes harsh. This verse should help us see a different man: Paul the man who hopes for contentment, for joy.
Here Paul sees and loves in the Philippians what he sees and loves in Jesus. He asks them to all share in the same love with a united heart by being of one mind. Perhaps, as we reflect on this verse, we might ask God for the grace to know, to experience the joy that comes to the heart especially the contentment that results from sharing in a community that is together.
August is a major vacation month here in Washington. The elected leaders who work across the street from my residence have "flown the coop" for their summer vacation. Many families have headed to shores, mountains or other country vacation or tourist locations. It is a time of being together with family or special friends, away from the daily grind. It is an opportunity for building strength in our own communities through relaxation, reading and, hopefully, some time for reflection.
We search for joy and contentment all year long but bump into moments of disappointment and frustration. This has always been a time for this blogger of finding a good book or two or three, friends and refreshment to remove himself from the grind, the disappointments and frustrations.
Paul’s calling us to unity of heart and mind brings to mind parents who have a "brood" of children. How often, no doubt, they share their hopes that their offspring will always be characterized by genuine love for one another, by success in their raising of their own children, accomplishments in their professions and so often a fidelity to their religion. It seems they are no different than Paul.
Paul’s calling us to unity of heart and mind brings to mind parents who have a "brood" of children. How often, no doubt, they share their hopes that their offspring will always be characterized by genuine love for one another, by success in their raising of their own children, accomplishments in their professions and so often a fidelity to their religion. It seems they are no different than Paul.
Parents, too, have to confront at times some disappointment. How often, as a priest, I am asked, "Father, please remember my son/daughter and their family. They have a seriously ill child. Or, they don’t practice their faith as they should. Or, they are not getting along well with another of their siblings. Or, he/she has just lost his/her job."
Paul’s insight is simple yet seemingly for many quite distant or even impossible to understand. The great apostle says that to possess the joy and contentment it produces for our lives means this: Christ should be the foundation of the way we live our lives. Christ Jesus should be a significant part of our lives. The unity and joy he preaches is based in Jesus Christ certainly our God but also our brother ... and isn’t a sibling one we turn to when times are difficult?
