The word of the Lord.

Saint Paul writes this to the Philippian Church, a Church he helped establish that has been very healthy and faithful, but also as was the custom of the time, enduring hardships and persecutions from the Romans. He writes to them with great pastoral care and love for them, as we Christians should also imitate, caring and loving one another, only desiring the ultimate good for each other, receiving Eternal Life. The point that Saint Paul makes in this section of his letter is this: Jesus Christ is the only way to Life, Everlasting Life, Eternal Life, and realizing the purpose and meaning of life, and so thus actually living life as we were created to live life. This Life can only come through a deep and faithful communion with God. Think of the Saints: they had deep connections to God, and as we read their lives, they were truly full of his Love, Grace, and Mercy. In other words, they realized the meaning of life, and lived life to the fullest, because they accepted the only way to living Life, that is through the Son, Jesus Christ. Our witness for Christ goes beyond lip service and words, but rather the way we live and the way we die, so the totality and fullness of our lives in Christ. Take some time to understand this Holy Scripture and ask God to help you understand it. So therefore, let us all go beyond simply saying we believe in God and offering lip service to God, but rather let us totally and fully live in the Life of Christ, imitating Christ in his life, living just as the Saints did, and remaining faithful to God in all Love for him and for each other. Amen.