The Holy Hieromartyr Cyprian; Holy Martyr Justina; Holy Andrew, Fool for the Sake of Christ.
Abstention from meat and foods that contain these ingredients.
Philippians 1:27-2:4; Luke 6:17-23.
Read Philippians 1:27-2:4
The Greek phalanx survived for many reasons, not the least of which was due to each soldier refusing to leave his neighbor exposed. It survived because shield overlapped shield, and all knew that if even one man broke rank he would endanger them all.
That is exactly the image Paul captures in Philippians when he admonishes them to stand firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel. Following Jesus is not found in solitary heroism, but rather through fidelity in formation. We stand together because the Gospel has joined us together.
But Paul also knows what destroys that unity. It is not the enemies from the outside, but the passions from within. That is why he moves from “one spirit” directly to the hidden battlefield of the heart: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves.”
We naturally prefer dramatic sacrifices because they flatter our ego…because others notice them and we look good. Paul asks for something far more difficult: surrender the constant need to be noticed, vindicated and look, “…to the interests of others.”
This is deep conversion, but it is not as attractive as the conversion of the good thief on the cross, with its last minute drama and great promises.
The unity he describes cannot be manufactured by temperaments or agreements. It only comes from sharing the mind of Christ.
So today, identify one person who tests your humility. Before this day ends, perform one hidden act of service for them. Listen without correcting. To live “worthy of the gospel” is to let Christ’s humility become visible in the ordinary messes of real life.