Scripture scholars believe that the Letter to the Philippians is not a single letter but three letters that have been edited together. Consequently, we sometimes hear what seems to be a change in mood as the three different letters are patched together.
The Letter to the Philippians is also another of St. Paul’s “Prison Letters.” This also accounts for some of the emotional pleas that we hear in this letter. This is very evident in today’s passage as he begins by referring to the fact that he is no longer present among them. News of Philippi and of the ever present syncretists and Judaizers reaches Paul in prison. He urges them to maintain their faith in a world that is filled with perverse and evil people.
The passage ends with joyful sentiments. The fact that Paul is in prison would have been disheartening to those who came to know Jesus through him. Imprisonment was seen by many as a shameful thing. However, St. Paul, realizing that Jesus himself was arrested and executed, is constantly reminding his followers that his suffering should be a cause for joy as it is a sure sign that Paul is walking in the footsteps of Christ.
No one enjoys suffering of any kind. However, if we bind our sufferings with Jesus, then we participate in the redemptive nature of his sacrifice. As we recall what Jesus did for us in this Eucharist, let us offer our suffering, pain or frustration with that of Jesus. Just as the Philippians had to deal with a crooked and perverse generation, we too must be on guard that we are not overcome by the world.
Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator