Spiritual Exercise, 28th May 2020

Paul remembered the congregation in Philippi with affection and joy. In this letter he expresses his joy over 30 times. It seems to us as if he wrote this letter while he was in a particularly good place, mentally and physically. This assessment cannot be further from the truth. In fact, Paul’s letter to the Philippians is written at a dark and difficult time in his life. He is imprisoned and expecting execution. Yet the tone of the letter reflects thankfulness, joy and confidence, especially when he remembers all the things of the present, and past. His capacity to remember seems to lift him beyond his circumstances. He remembers the care and affection of his friends in Philippi. He remembers the things God has been doing in and through THEIR good will. He remembers their common purpose of sharing the Gospel. He remembers that God will be with him no matter what. He knows that God is with him in his bad circumstances. He has the true and certain hope of inheriting the kingdom of God because of his faith in the redemption, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. These thoughts made him thank God. I am sure not all his memories were so positive. I am sure he must have thought of his life before God called him into a life of faith. He must have been feeling a wee bit guilty towards all the people that he prosecuted and persecuted just because they had faith. As he reflected on his own condition, he must have realised the suffering and injustice that he was once the cause of. He knew that God was a loving and forgiving God. All through his letters we read about God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness. He learned from experience that God could offer healing, restoration and a new start. It is no wonder that he could say the words: “I thank my God every time I remember you” despite his circumstances. Remembering might not be easy, that is why perhaps for generations people have come together in acts of remembrance, supporting and helping one another in their struggle and need. But let us use the memories of the past to find God in the present. Let us not be afraid to shed the odd tear, or even express our anger and despair to God, who does not demand of us that we come to him in a state of polite composure, but through remembering, sharing our stories, and laughing and crying together we will find the strength for each new day’s challenge. Amen