The Holy Martyr Aretas and those with him (523)
Philippians 4:10-23; Luke 7:36-50
Read Philippians 4:10-23
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content
I believe it fair to state that in our present culture, self-sufficiency is something that we chase after. We live our lives in such a way so as not to be dependent upon others, seeing such dependency as a form of dishonour. The foundation of this “virtue” of self-sufficiency is certainly based on self. We perhaps become embarrassed when we must rely on food banks and the generosity of others; for example, we will even go to the point of wear hats and sunglasses and go to a food bank in another neighbourhood so as not to be recognized by others.
Paul challenges us on this foundation of self-sufficiency. While he writes to the Philippians that he has learned, in whatever state he finds himself, to be content, this self-sufficiency is not founded on his very self. Rather, it is founded in the very trust that he has in Christ Jesus. The secret to his ultimate security is expressed thusly: “I can do all things in him who strengthens me.” It is a profound dependence on the Lord. And as WE are one in Him, as WE are IN Christ, as Paul states, profound dependence on the Lord also means profound dependence on each other in our faith community, that we look after each other’s needs. In the words of the wise Catherine Doherty, we are truly to be a people of the towel and water!