Saturday of Week 30 in Ordinary Time (Year II)
Philippians 1:18-26 | Psalm 41(42):2-3,5 | Luke 14:1,7-11
My one hope and trust is that I shall never have to admit defeat, but that now as always I shall have the courage for Christ to be glorified in my body, whether by my life or by my death. (Philippians 1:20)
St. Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians while in prison and awaiting trial, and the letter reveals that he had a fair expectation of losing his life. Clearly, he wasn’t too perturbed by that possibility; in today’s reading, he confesses to be torn between going to his death and meeting Christ sooner, and staying alive to continue his work of conversion.
I’d like to say that I’d feel the same way if God called me home tonight, but to be brutally honest, I’d be quite worried about all the things I’ve left half-done.
And if I’m invited to martyrdom some day in my travels, I’m not sure how I’d react.
Still, it’s a timely reminder, given all the uncertainty in the world today, that we should always take courage in the Lord,
and know that He is always beside us,
and receive all the blessings He’s waiting to bestow by just taking the time to acknowledge His presence in daily prayer,
and let Him take the driver’s seat in our lives, guiding us to holiness and love for all.
This way, we will never lose hope,
never lose our way,
never lose to the Evil One.
Not even on our last mortal day.
Take my life and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
let them flow in ceaseless praise.
–Take My Life And Let It Be, Frances Havergal (1874)
Amen.
(This is probably not the arrangement you’re used to.)