A reflection on Philippians 4:12–14 for 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A.
“I can do all things in him who strengthens me” is a verse I love. But I can also use it to justify being way too stubborn.
A friend offers to help, and I say I’m fine. I have a list, a plan, and coffee enough to make the whole thing seem reasonable. With the Lord’s help, I can manage. Then I get tired and resentful because nobody seems to notice how much I am doing. Except they did notice. That was why they offered to help.
This is harder to ignore while caring for my aging mother. I want her to know that she is welcome in my home. I would like to be patient and dependable. Admitting I need help can feel like saying I wasn’t prepared for the commitment I accepted.
Paul gives me some encouragement here. He says Christ strengthens him through hunger and plenty, through having enough and being on the lean side of things. Then he thanks the Philippians for sharing in his problems. He graciously receives their help.
Somehow, I tend to skip that part.
I would rather be the woman who brings supper than to be the one on the receiving end of things. Being a giver lets me choose the time, the task, and how much I can spare. Receiving means letting someone see that I can’t manage the situation. There is a little pride mixed in there, and I wish there weren’t.
When a friend offers to pick something up while she is at the store, I can give her the short list. I can ask someone to sit with Mama while I take care of an errand. Otherwise I might wait until I am worn out enough to snap at the person I love.
Paul’s words reassure me that Christ will strengthen me for the circumstances I face. They also leave me able to say, “Yes, thank you. That would help.”
I may feel uncomfortable saying it. I can live with a little awkwardness. It would be good for my Mama to have a rested daughter, and good for me to let a friend be kind.