Thursday last, our Church introduced us to sections of St. Paul's Letter to the Philippians in the fist readings for our daily liturgies. Only a brief letter of four chapters, the letter is Paul's testimony of trust in God while he was imprisoned. The specific verses today (2:1-14) are a call for union of mind. Furthermore, Paul is calling them to recognize the blessings to be found in a humility that opens up their hearts in care and respect for tohers. This is the love that is to be found in love and participation in the Spirit of God. Paul is teaching the Philippians that to be a good Christian is to be more concerned more about what is good for the community and how sacrifice is usually required for all to be of the same mind, united in heart, thinking one thing with others. Our contemporary society and its culture tries to teach us that we can forego concerns for the community. Look at the tv ads: my looks, my aging, my needs, my wants --- all focused on the me. The community in which we live -- our families, neighborhood, parish and our cities -- seem to have second or third place all too often. Paul is convinced that whatever we do to build our communities will block selfishness and pride. Isn't this what Jesus taught us?
