To read: Philippians 2:25 - 3:1
New Revised Standard Version Bible,Still, I think it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus - my brother and co-worker and fellow soldier, your messenger and minister to my need; for he has been longing for all of you, and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. He was indeed so ill that he nearly died. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, so that I would not have one sorrow after another. I am the more eager to send him, therefore, in order that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. Welcome him then in the Lord with all joy, and honor such people, because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for those services that you could not give me. Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is not troublesome to me, and for you it is a safeguard.
copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
To think about:
Some
of us take Lent so seriously that we overwhelm ourselves with the reality of so much sin in the world. I look at broken relationships, struggling congregations, a world of little peace, let alone the illness that sometimes hits so close to home, and it all appears hopeless. I cannot possibly change this situation. Just looking inward to my own self, there is far too much to fix. It is distressing indeed!
For me, this passage calls us to let the love and mercy of God in Christ rush over us, lifting us out of our anxiety. It is not our job to fix illness, relationships, wars, or whatever else causes anxiety. For we have the promise that God will lift us from our sorrow and free us to do the work that God intends for us. We need not carry this burden, it is not up to us - we are free to receive God's gifts to us, welcome one another in love, and rejoice in God's promises. We are free to do all that we can, not because God demands it of us, but because the love which God gives us is too great not to burst forth to the world around.
To pray:
Loving God, free us from our anxieties, and free us to rejoice with our fellow-workers in your kingdom. For all things, we rely on the strength of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, Pa.