Philippians 1: 18b-26
Brothers and sisters:
What does it matter? Just this, that Christ is proclaimed in every way, whether out of false motives or true; and in that I rejoice.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance. It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in any way, but that by my speaking with all boldness, Christ will be exalted now as always in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Choices Guided by Christ
Saint Paul is in prison, facing an uncertain future, possibly even death. Yet he is not consumed by his circumstances. His joy is not dependent on being released from prison. His joy comes from knowing that Christ remains present and at work in his life, regardless of what happens to him.
He has learned something that we often struggle to accept: we cannot always control our circumstances, but we can choose how faithfully we respond to them. He discovered the interior freedom that comes from allowing his relationship with Christ, rather than his circumstances or personal preferences, to guide the direction of his life. If he lives, he can continue serving Christ. If he dies, he will be united with Christ. Either way, Christ remains at the center.
Complete St. Paul's sentence: "For to me, life is ______." Would our answer be family? Work? Security? Accomplishment? Comfort? None of these things is necessarily bad. But Paul challenges us to consider what gives ultimate meaning and direction to everything else in our lives. May we, like St. Paul, allow Christ to guide our choices.
—Jim Bozik is a permanent deacon and Associate for Pastoral Ministry at St. Peter Catholic Church, the Jesuit church in the Diocese of Charlotte, NC.
Prayer
O Lord, you are the center of my life:
I will always praise you,
I will always serve you,
I will always keep you in my sight.
Keep me safe, O God, I will take refuge in you.
I say to the Lord, “You are my God.
My happiness lies in you alone;
my happiness lies in you alone.”
You will show me the path of life,
the fullness of joy in your presence,
at your right hand, at your right hand
happiness forever.
—Lyrics from ‘Center of my Life” by Paul Inwood