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Sunday, September 25, 2005 Meditation Philippians 2:1-11 He whose ranks are united in purpose will be victorious. So wrote the Chinese general, Sun Tzu (c. 500 b.c.) in his book The Art of War. This great warrior’s essays have been studied for centuries around the world, and no matter who reads it, this one teaching stands out: Unity is essential to any military victory. Sun Tzu may have been referring to a military command, but we can apply his words to our spiritual lives as well. “The church whose members are united in purpose will be victorious.” No one would deny that unity of purpose is the great strength of the Christian community. It is what holds our diverse cultures and viewpoints together. St. Paul went so far as to say that unity—being one in love, spirit, and purpose—made his joy “complete” (Philippians 2:2). Of course, unity is far easier to talk about than it is to accomplish. So let’s try today to address any thoughts of division that are in us. As you receive the Eucharist today, consider who it is that you are receiving. Jesus took on the form of a servant even though he was God. What humility! What obedience! What love! Then, he gave up his life to bring us together as one body. In dying for our reconciliation, Jesus made his Father’s joy complete, and so he was raised from the dead and exalted to the highest place of all. Jesus knew the secret to bringing about unity among his people: humility and obedience. So when you receive Jesus, know that he wants to give you the grace to be like him—humble and obedient. He wants to help you say “no” to any vain, conceited, or selfish ambitions. He wants to show you how to consider others better than yourself (Philippians 2:3-4). He wants to help you to live in unity with everyone. Why? Because unity is the great witness of his victorious church. “Jesus, as I receive you today, transform my heart so that it is just like yours.” Ezekiel 18:25-28; Psalm 25:4-9; Matthew 21:28-32 |
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