The Holy Prophet Joel; the Holy Martyr Varus (307); Our Venerable Father John of Rila (946)
Philippians 4:10-23; Luke 7:36-50
Read Philippians 4:10-23
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
On hearing this verse, one could take it to mean that whatever I set out to do, I will be victorious because it is Christ who strengthens me. In some ways, this is a correct understanding of what St. Paul is intending. But (and remember, whatever follows the “but” is important), this interpretation misses the mark fully. It is not only those things which we consider successes in which Christ strengthens but also in those things which we consider failures. Paul was able to face abundance and poverty, trouble (scourging, being shipwrecked, being imprisoned, and more) and peace. No matter what comes at him, Paul is at peace, he is content, he has found true and lasting happiness only in Jesus Christ, his strength!
Years ago, as I was considering the priesthood, a friend of mine who was also considering the priesthood, often said in many circumstances, “Glory to God!” I questioned him on this practice, and he told me that as St. Paul had found all his hope and strength in the Lord, so he tried to do the same. The little prayer, stated for any circumstance, whether good or bad, easy or difficult, not only reminded him of where he found his sufficiency but inspired and comforted many others as well. I decided to take up the same practice. The words, “Glory to God” for me morphed into “Blessed be God.” I have said this at least a million times thus far, for any circumstance, whether good or bad, easy or difficult. It reminds me that I am His son, and all I do can only be done because of Him. Perhaps you would like to manifest to others who your strength is – Christ Jesus!