In the passage we meditated on yesterday, St. Paul emphasized that it was not the Law that saved him—even though, as a devout Jew, he had always strictly observed it—but rather the undeserved gift of faith in Jesus Christ. In the following verses, he reiterates this point: Phil 3:9-21 Not having a righteousness of my […]
Living with our eyes fixed on the goal Read More »
After reflecting on the passage from the Letter to the Philippians yesterday, the Apostle Paul goes on to speak with great affection about his colleague Timothy, whom he regards as a son in Christ and whom he wishes to send to the community in Philippi. The warmth of these verses (Philippians 2:19–22) is striking and
Phil 2:12–18 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for God is at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or
The Apostle’s sacrifice Read More »
Phil 2:1-11 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any incentive of love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than
“Imitating Christ” Read More »
“In order to prevail in this battle, it must be an army that strives for holiness.” (Inner Word) This inner word goes back to St. Joan of Arc. She speaks of a “holy army,” even for our time. It likely refers to the “army of the Lamb,” that is, those who follow the Lamb wherever
“THE FATHER FIGHTS FOR US” Read More »
Phil. 1:12–18 I want you to know, brethren, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ; and most of the brethren have been made confident in the Lord
THE LETTER TO THE PHILIPPIANS: “The Apostle’s priority” Read More »
“’Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much.’” (Mt 25:20b–21) God has given everyone gifts so they can serve His kingdom and bear fruit for others.
“THE GREATEST TALENT” Read More »
“Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14). Who is not familiar with the openness of an unspoiled child? Who can resist this charm? And it is not only parents who delight in it. Unless our hearts have become completely hardened, we
“CHILDLIKE OPENNESS” Read More »
Following the series on Saint Joan of Arc and two texts from our archive of biblical meditations, I would now like to turn to the reflection on another letter from the New Testament. It is the Letter to the Church in Philippi. It comes from Saint Paul, the beloved Apostle to whom we owe so
THE LETTER TO THE PHILIPPIANS: “Introduction” Read More »
Mt 11:25-30 At that time Jesus exclaimed, ‘I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to little children. Yes, Father, for that is what it pleased you to do. Everything has been entrusted to me by my Father; and no
Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus: The Love of Jesus Read More »
