Ordinary Time

Pause

What authority does Jesus have in our lives? What role do we play in granting that authority? And how might it change us to acknowledge it more completely?

Listen

Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort in love, any sharing in the Spirit, any sympathy, complete my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, being united, and agreeing with each other. Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves. Instead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others.

Philippians 2:1-4

Think

This passage makes me think of Guardians of the Galaxy. Probably because I’m a nerd. But the strange and unlikely heroes of this movie start as self-focused individuals who are only interested in achieving their own objectives. Slowly they begin to work together to achieve what is initially a self-protective goal for their little band. By the end of the film, they are willing to give their lives to save one another and every living being in their galaxy. So what caused this incredible transformation for these characters?

The writer of the letter to the Philippians seems to say that if we open ourselves to “any” of what Christ has to offer, then the next natural inclination will be to live in a way that is consistent with that spirit. Experiencing love, sharing, and even sympathy are experiences of God, and they can open us to offer the same to others. What are you receiving from God? And what are you sharing with the world?

Chad Senuta

Pray

Loving God, you lavish me with patience, mercy, compassion, kindness, understanding, and love. Make me a channel for these gifts to flow freely to all those who I encounter. Amen.

Go

May your knowledge of Jesus and the way you live your life draw nearer and nearer until both become one.

Go in peace, inviting and seeking that unity.