A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians 4:6-9
Brothers and sisters: Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.
REFLECTION:
There are times that we lose our peace. It can be from our own wrongdoings, attitudes of other people, circumstances beyond our control or just life. How we respond to these changing events will be the kind of peace which will live in us.
Peace is work. You see it in diplomatic circles. How many times do government officials sit down to negotiate or work out their differences with both parties walking away without any resolution? How many times do we allow our feelings, our ego, our envy, our harsh words take over the outcome of events? There are times we take great pains to accomplish what we know is good and for the Kingdom of God, but see no results, albeit even bad results. Do we give up? We could-- but why?
An athlete spends grueling hours at the gym in high intensity training doing sets of jumping jacks, weights, running or swimming. The result is weight loss and toned muscles. But the work and diet have to be consistent. Slowing down, eating the wrong foods and sitting on the couch will erase all hard work in a few weeks. A good athlete will keep up with a good exercise routine and adjust accordingly to their needs. They are disciplined.
St Paul in Philippians reminds us of another discipline and that is how to excel spiritually
--avoid anxiety at all costs
--pray and petition with Thanksgiving
--let go of the bad
--hold on to the good
--see the blessings and opportunities around you
--see the good in others not the worst
--be aware of the bad in others and avoid
--keep on doing what we have learned, received and heard from God
--allow God in your lives.
Keep Praying! Keep your focus on God! The rewards are eternally awesome!
God Bless
Comments