Throughout the Scriptures, the Word of God helps us to understand the difference between good and bad. In the first pages of Scripture, we see God imposing order over the forces of chaos, separating light from darkness. In the Garden, Adam and Eve have a choice between trust and disobedience. Deuteronomy speaks of the way of life and the way of death. Jesus speaks of two gates, one that leads to destruction, the other that leads to life. Jesus teaches how at the Judgement God will separate the sheep from the goats.
In today’s passage from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, the Apostle differentiates between two types of people: Brothers and Sisters in Christ who Imitate Paul's Example, and the Enemies of the Cross of Christ.
The enemies of the Cross live in ways that are contrary to the message and sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Their lifestyle negates the principles of self-denial and sacrificial love that the cross represents. They are driven by earthly appetites and sensual desires. Their focus is entirely on worldly matters—material possessions, status, and temporal pleasures. And Paul explains, their end is destruction.
The Brothers and Sisters of Christ, on the other hand, align their lives with the teachings and example of Christ. They are not focused soley on the world, because they believe their ultimate citizenship is in heaven, and this earthly life isn’t simply for satisfying bodily urges and appetites, but preparing for eternity.
Paul urges the brothers and sisters in Christ to remain steadfast in their faith because we live in the midst of a lot of bad examples who engaging in behaviors contrary to Christ’s teaching, promoting immorality, selfishness, and rebellion against God's commands.
So Paul says, look to the holy ones in order become not earthly minded, but heavenly minded, focusing on eternal truths, spiritual growth, and the coming of Christ.
At the beginning of the month of November, we celebrated the feast of the Saints, those holy ones whose examples we need to keep every in focus. These citizens of heaven teach us how to live with God’s kingdom as our primary allegiance rather than allegiance to worldly systems and values---those opposing the message of the Gospel.
Paul’s exhortation encourages us to examine our lives to ensure that we are not conforming ourselves to this age, as he writes to the Romans, but we are seeking the renewal of our minds and hearts and souls to seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness.
May the Holy Spirit help us to imitate the saints in following Jesus Christ for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
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Trusting in God's mercy and guided by His Word, let us bring our prayers before Him, seeking the grace to live as faithful disciples.
For the Church: That all members may imitate the example of Christ and the saints, standing firm in faith and resisting the allure of worldly values.
For our leaders: That those in positions of authority may promote justice and moral integrity, helping to build a truly righteous society.
For our community: That we may support one another and set good example for each other in seeking the renewal of our minds and hearts, focusing on eternal truths over temporal pleasures.
For the youth: That they may be inspired by the lives of the saints to choose the path of righteousness and self-denial.
For those facing heavy crosses of illness, loneliness, or hardship, that they may experience God's sustaining presence and our compassionate care.
We pray in a special way during this Month of November for all of the faithful departed; for the deceased members of our family, friends, and parish, for deceased clergy and religious, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom, that they may experience the fullness of God's grace in eternal life.
Heavenly Father, hear the prayers of Your people. Grant us the grace to turn away from earthly distractions and to embrace the path that leads to eternal life. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
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