Holy Martyr Callistratus and His Companions; Our Venerable Father Nilus, Founder and Hegumen of the Grottaferrata Monastery.
Abstention from meat and foods that contain meat.
Philippians 1:27-2:4. Luke 6:17-23.
Read Philippians 1:27-2:4
Paul writes: “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,” (Phil. 1:29). Suffering is one of life’s greatest mysteries. It is unpleasant to experience, and we seek to relieve it however and whenever we can. Christ’s voluntary suffering and death for our sake show that suffering can carry tremendous meaning. We can demonstrate love in spite of and even through suffering. Parents suffer when they make self-sacrifices for the wellbeing of their children. Soldiers suffer even unto death for the sake of defending their loved ones. When we endure our own personal sufferings, whatever they may be, we can transform their meaning in light of the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ. Paul and the Philippians suffered for Christ’s sake. They were united not only by their common faith in Christ but also by their shared sufferings.
Throughout today’s reading Paul asks the Philippians to be of “one mind” (Phil. 1:27; 2:2). He desires that they be united and that we do “nothing from selfishness or conceit” (Phil. 2:3). In practicing lowliness of mind, they ought to esteem others as better than themselves and look after the interests of others.
Often today Christians looks at their faith as a strictly personal phenomenon. When people experience suffering, they tend to feel isolated from other people. However, Christianity is a religion of relationships. We follow the two greatest commandments, the first being: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind,” and the second being: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself” (Mt. 22:36-40). We seek unity with God, but we are not alone on our journey. Just as Paul and the Philippians could be united by a common faith and shared sufferings for the sake of Christ, today we need to realise that we aren’t ever really alone. God is always with us, and we also have the visible and invisible communion of the Church for love and support.