Stay firm in the Lord; Be joyful in the Lord always

Today's scripture reading is from Philippians 3:17-4:9. In addition to doing my Daily Readings, I have tried to also do the Universalis: Office of Readings every day. It has been a wonderful spiritual supplement (outside of attending daily Mass which I try to go to 3-4 times a week). The Philippians passage is taken from the Office of Readings today. The title to this reading is “Stay firm in the Lord”. I'll quote the parts that spoke to me the most:

"Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us." (v. 3:17)
We all need mentors to Stay firm in the Lord. And that means hanging out with brothers and sisters who are serious about their faith. Look for a church that speaks the Word of Truth.

"For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things." (vv. 3:18-19)
There are plenty of news these days about the clergy sex scandals and cover-ups. This is not new. The enemies are always trying to destroy God's church. Stay firm in the Lord and do not leave the church because of this. Jesus has promised "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18)

"But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself. 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." (vv. 3:19-4:1)













Wow, Jesus by His amazing sovereign power, promises to transform this humiliated body (yes the church is truly humiliated) to a glorious body!!! Saint Paul, pray for us!


This next section is called "Exhortations". We are exhorted to "Be joyful in the Lord always". For this I read a lovely commentary by "Pseudo-Ambrosius" (who according to this - is an unknown author who was formerly ascribed to Saint Ambrose and usually printed along with his works). And I quote:

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice." (v. 4:4)
Beloved brethren, you have heard in the present reading how St Paul says I want you to be happy, always happy in the Lord. For the salvation of our souls God in his goodness calls us to the joys of everlasting blessedness. The joys of this world lead to eternal sorrow; but those who persevere in following the joys that are to be found in the will of the Lord will find themselves led to an enduring, an eternal world. So St Paul says again, I repeat, what I want is your happiness. He is urging us to grow in the joy that leads to God and to the fulfillment of God’s commandments. The more we strive to obey the precepts of our Lord God in this world, the more blessed we shall be in the life to come and the greater will be the glory that we receive in God’s presence.

"Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near."
(v. 4:5)
...the holiness of your behavior should not only be clear to God but also to men. It should be an example of modesty and self-discipline to all who share this earth with you. It should leave nothing but good memories, both for God and for man. The Lord is very near, there is no need to worry: the Lord is always near to anyone who calls on him in truth, with right faith, with firm hope, with perfect love. He himself knows what you need before you ask it of him: he is always ready to give his faithful servants whatever help they need. When bad things happen to us we should not be greatly worried, because we should know that we have God close to us as our defender. The Lord is close to those with contrite hearts; those with a broken spirit he will save. Many are the tribulations of the just; the Lord will free them of all their troubles. If we fight to fulfill and keep his precepts, he will not be slow to give us the aid he has promised.

"Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (vv. 4:6-7)
If there is anything you need, pray for it, asking God for it with prayer and thanksgiving: when we are afflicted with tribulations let us not bear them sadly or grumble about them – certainly not! – but let us be patient and cheerful, giving thanks to God always, in all circumstances.

Conclusion
"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. 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." (vv. 4:8-9)