The Holy Martyr Charitina.
Philippians 2:12-16; Luke 6:24-30.
Read Philippians 2:12-16
St. Paul admonishes us “not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12)
Notice that St. Paul makes the distinction between how people acted when he was present, as opposed to when he has not. Of course, we often notice this in ourselves – sometimes we act and speak very differently in the absence of others than we do in their presence. St. John Chrysostom adds to this reflection by putting these words into the mouth of St. Paul: “…much more in my absence, did you seem, perhaps at that time, to be doing everything out of respect to me and from a principle of shame? But that is no longer so. If you make it evident that you now strive more earnestly, it is also made evident that neither was it done out of consideration to me then, but for God’s sake…” (Homily 8 on 2 Philippians).
We pray daily to God who is everywhere present and fills all things, but how often does the import of this statement actually hit us? Chrysostom continues: “If we only consider that God is everywhere present, hears all things, and sees all things, not only whatever is done and said, but also all that is in the heart and in the depth of the soul (for He is quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart), if we so dispose ourselves, we will not do or say or imagine anything that is evil…whenever you eat, consider that God is present, for he is present, whenever you are preparing to sleep, or giving way to passion, if you are robbing another, or indulging in luxury…”
Though we know that we are always in the presence of God, we should not therefore think about God as a passive observer, waiting to see whether or not we will fall, but rather – we should know that He is there as a constant help and support. This is why St. Paul continues by saying: “God is at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13).
And what is His good pleasure but that “all be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4). Knowing this, then consider that it is only when we lose sight of God, and depend solely on ourselves, that we should fear to fall. In the words of St. Augustine of Hippo: “…they are to work with fear and trembling so that they will not, by attributing the good working to themselves, be elated by the good works as though they were their own” (St. Augustine, On Grace and Free Will)
So let us remember God is ever present with us, and ever willing our salvation, for if this is your thought continually, you will continually be in ‘fear and trembling’ and will ‘Serve the Lord in fear and rejoice unto Him with trembling. (Ps 2:11).