27th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY - WHAT DOES THE LETTER TO THE PHILIPPIANS TEACH US ?...........

The first scriptural lesson OLOL's "The Word Among Us" Scripture Study Series group gained last Thursday afternoon comes from the Philippian 4:6-9; today's Second Reading at Mass on this 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time.  In this brief passage, Paul assures the Philippian community to not be anxious, to look beyond their anxieties, and to belief, and to know, that God is everpresent to them, despite the hardships and worries they endure.  God does not abandon them, or any believer, especially in times of need and upset.  And the first resource in discovering and experiencing God's support is to pray, with confidence and trust that God's Peace remains with us through whatever travails, even though instant relief or solutions may not be evident.  In Phil. 4:7, Paul proclaims a great assurance, that is often used as a closing blessing / benediction, at Catholic-Christian funerals.  That, "the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus".  Despite the adversities and anxieties we face, God's strength and clarity of presence stands with us, to see us through and broaden our horizons to see those problems and our relationship with our Loving Father and Strengthening Spirit is solidified through our Discipleship with Jesus the Christ.   Making whatever is, "true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, gracious", ever more present and excellent in life, we attain the assurance of God's presence with us.  May your hearing and pondering of God's Word in Phil. 4:6-9; help you to find the strength, and reassurance you need to fully belief God remains at your side, no matter what...........Fr.  Troy