5 October 2014
27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Brothers and sisters: Have no anxiety at allReally? Easy as that, is it, Paul?
Who among us can say we have no anxiety? Is St. Paul out of touch with reality? And get this: Paul is writing these words while in prison. I personally would be at the end of my rope in that situation.
But Paul advises the Philippians (and us) to find “that peace of God that surpasses all understanding.” He has tested his own waters of hardship and suffering. From his experience Paul suggests that we deal with our often unsettled spirits with thankful prayer.
What if we were to come to God with a thankful heart, even in situations that give us anxiety? Would it make any difference in the way we receive our given circumstances? Would it make a difference in the way we receive the Giver (God)? A thankful spirit is open to what God has in store for us and trusts that the Lord knows best. It's the kind of trust we can and should aspire to acquire.
Paul offers advice on how to get there. When we are anxious, can we teach our minds to replace the destructive force of an uneasy spirit with "whatever is gracious"? Can we surrender to the Lord’s grace and peace all that is shackled within us, so that we can be freed from the imprisonment of our anxious fears?Paul would teach us to reach out with expectation for the peace of knowing that, in all circumstances, God's graceful presence means that all will be well (somehow).
The author, Ms. Barbara Gawle, leads Bible studies at her parish, Incarnation Church of Wethersfield, CT. She is a CBS graduate and the 2012 recipient of the Biblical School's highest award, the Fr. Lawrence Boadt Memorial Medal.
