All Things Through Christ (28th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

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In previous readings, we have seen how St. Paul wants to form the conduct of the Philippian Christians by making them more self-giving and vigilant in prayer. Here, he imparts one final lesson to his readers, and that is the value of contentment. Although he has faced incredible hardship in his missionary journeys (which he describes in greater detail in 2 Corinthians 11:23-29), this does not take away his joy, and he shows this by maintaining his cheerful tone even as he talks about the distress he is going through.

The reason he is able to maintain this attitude of contentment even in the midst of hunger and want is his unwavering trust in Christ. He knows that Christ will provide for him and protect him, which is why he can say “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (v. 13).

He wants his readers to have this same unwavering trust as well, by encouraging them to follow his example. He reminds them that they too can experience this provision, as long as they maintain their trust in the Lord, as he tells them: “My God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (v. 19). This doesn’t mean they still won’t experience times of hunger and want, but that even in the midst of those seasons, what they have will be enough to see them through.

In an age of plenty, it is easy to lose sight of this message of contentment. Nevertheless, we must learn to accept whatever the Lord gives, and trust that what He provides is enough.

J. Luis Dizon