Reflection #1: Philippians 4:1-9

A reading from Philippians, the 4th chapter:

1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. 2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

***

Rejoice.

Pray.

Meditate.

Give thanks.

Share.

All easier said than done. When times get tough, it is easy to forget to whom we belong, and from whom we are empowered. It is hard to lean on the creator when we see the issue with that same being: why did God let this happen, why is God making me go through this, why is God? Why, why why?

Enough!

God is with is regardless of the circumstance, and we are called to rejoice, pray, meditate and believe that God is with is throughout. That's the promise of the spirit, the work of the comforter, the job of the other who is coming--who is here! Like Paul says above, "the peach of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds."

Rest assured that God has us in the palm of God's hand, protecting us, crying with us, suffering with us.

We must rejoice in the love.

We must pray our concerns.

We must meditate on all that is good.

We must give thanks to God.

We must share the Good News... regardless!

Let us pray:

Most gracious creator God, you stand by us in all times of joy and sorrow. Found in the midst of chaos is your grace. Remind us that we are your beloved children who you love beyond measure. Pick us up when we fall down, and reset our feet as we stumble ever forth in the quest to spread the Good News... Jesus! When times get tough, push us ever forward instead of allowing us to fall back into despairing thoughts. We need you, we want you, now more than ever. Be present in our lives, and the lives of those we encounter. In the name of the sacrificial lamb, Jesus Christ. ~amen~