JOHANNINE HOURS  January 1995 Philippians 1,3-11

Most of the books of the New Testament are letters, written to reinforce
the bonds of communion between believers. Usually, Saint Paul begins his
letters with a prayer of thanksgiving for the community he is writing
to. In this way he situates their relationship within a more
encompassing communion, that which unites all the faithful to God
through Jesus Christ. Paul is particularly attached to the Christians of
Philippi; they have always kept him in mind and supported him when
necessary by material aid. Now that he is in prison, thinking of them
consoles him even more.

But the mutual affection they share is not just a simple human reality.
"I long for you with the deep affection of Christ Jesus," writes the
apostle (v.8). It is as if, in the attachment the Christians feel for
one another, Christ is present in person, loving his followers. When
Paul writes "for me, to live is Christ" (Phil 1,21) or when he speaks of
"the Body of Christ which is the Church" (cf. Col 1,18), these are
neither abstractions nor simple figures of speech but a true sharing of
life.

Then, the thanksgiving turns into a prayer of intercession for the
Philippians. Paul asks God to make their love grow so that they will be
able to discern what God wants of them. Then they will bear "fruits of
uprightness" that will enable others to discover God through the lives
they live. Far from concerning only the emotions, God's love which is
communicated to us through Christ is a source of knowledge; it gradually
transforms our manner of looking so that we can find the way of God in
the midst of the uncertainties of the world.

What helps us to remember that faith is not just a philosophy but a life
of communion lived out through specific choices and acts?

How can I "live in thanksgiving" (Col 3,15b)? Does prayer enable me to
situate human relationships and events in a more encompassing context?

What elements help me to discern what God wants from me and from others?
JOHANNINE HOURS (Taize-Community, 71250 TAIZE, France.)

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Email: brothers@taize.frmug.fr.net (Brother Roy) or taize@cpe.ipl.fr

[The "Johannine hours" are meant as a way of seeking God in silence and
prayer in the midst of our daily life. During the course of a day, take
a moment to read the Bible passage with the short commentary and to
reflect on the questions which follow. Afterwards, a small group people
can meet to share what they have discovered and perhaps for a time of
prayer.]


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