A reflection on Philippians 1:18-26 for Saturday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time.
Paul rejoices because Christ is being proclaimed. But then I read the verses just before this passage. Some people are preaching out of love, but others are driven by envy and rivalry. They even hope to make Paul’s imprisonment harder for him. He knows this, and still he rejoices that people are hearing about Christ.
I’m not as generous when I dislike someone. Once a person has irritated or disappointed me, I become really good at spotting every flaw in their actions. I might admit that their work helps someone, but I add a few qualifications. I want everyone to know the whole story or that I saw the problem first.
Paul does not call those preachers’ motives good. His joy does not require him to pretend they meant well. That is helpful. I can have concerns and still acknowledge that something good is happening. A person I find annoying might say exactly what someone else needed to hear in the moment. My opinion of the speaker does not erase what the listener received.
Of course, good results do not make bad behavior acceptable. When we are hurt, we deserve more than encouragement to look for the bright side. Paul is speaking about a situation he understands firsthand. He can name what others are trying to do to him and decide what he will rejoice in.
That might be the hardest part. I would rather put the whole person into one simple category. Paul suggests a more challenging idea: to tell the truth about what is wrong and give thanks for what is good. Ugh. I may need a moment before I can do both.
Reflection questions:
- Whose good work do I find difficult to acknowledge?
- Am I naming a real concern, or holding on to an old irritation?
- What can I give thanks for without excusing what needs to change?
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