The Holy Martyrs Carpus, Papylas and Agathonicus (249-51)
Philippians 1:20-27; Luke 6:12-19
Read Philippians 1:20-27
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
The Holy Apostle Paul expresses two very important sentiments in this brief reading today. First, he expresses his desire to die and to be with Christ. He has encountered Christ on earth, has walked with him, and experienced the joy that life with Christ brings. At the same time, this joy had been imperfect because he was still suffering from the effects of human brokenness, also known as sin. He also experienced hardships for his work spreading the Gospel—various dangers, assaults, criminal prosecution. To die would mean to experience Christ fully, or at least as fully as possible until the General Resurrection.
Second, he acknowledges that it is not time for him to die just yet. For the good of the people to whom he preached the Gospel, he remained alive. For the increased faith and joy of his spiritual children, Paul would continue to visit them.
Paul recognized the good of both living and dying: to live would mean continuing to bring Christ to others; whilst to die would mean being with Christ fully.
Perhaps we experience something similar in our own lives. By faith, we know that life in Christ without the struggle of sin awaits us. Death looks rather attractive when put in that light for a believer. At the same time, there is always work that we can do in order to bring Christ to others.
Wherever our own reflections and emotions take us, the most important thing to remember is the last line of the reading: “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ”. Pray daily. Frequent the sacraments, especially Holy Communion and Confession. Commit to love everyone around you as best as you can. Strive to grow in virtue constantly. In doing so, you will live a life worthy of the gospel of Christ.