Rejoice

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned for me, but had no opportunity to show it. Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:1-13 

In the midst of Holy Week, as we prepare for the final passion, we can be overcome with the darkness of our world and the losses we face daily. The betrayals and hurts of our every day lives can surround us, pressing us down. There is often too much for our hearts to bear and we can feel isolated, alone and with out hope.

The conclusion to the letter of Philippians, one of my favorite passages, reminds us that even the early followers of Christ had manjor disputes, financial crisis and struggled to keep positive and hopeful. Life in this human body can be overwhelming. Yet we are directed to rejoice, to see the blssings around us, however small, and to be grateful for the love we have. God invites us, in the midst of our personal losses and political darkness, to realize there is always more strength and love from God. No matter how we feel, we are blessed and capable.

Today, I ask God to help me rejoice and trust that "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." May we all arise and rejoice, knowing this is not the last chapter of our lives, but the beginning of new chapters.