DYNAMIS!
A publication of St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral
Wichita, KS
Philippians 1:1-7 (10/12) Epistle for Monday of
the Nineteenth Monday after Pentecost
A Martyr’s Heart I ~ Gracious Fellowship: Philippians
1:1-7, especially vs. 7: “...I
have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and
confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.” A
weekday series of readings in the Epistle to the Philippians begins today
comprising the entire opening chapter of Saint Paul’s
Epistle to the Church at Philippi. The letter was written while the Apostle
was in the custody of the Guard of the Imperial
Palace at Rome, awaiting trial on appeal (Acts
26:32-27:1; 28:16-30).
The Apostle anticipated being released, but the possibility
of a death sentence could not be ruled out (Phil. 1:19-20). The Philippian
congregation had recently sent Saint
Paul funds by Epaphroditus,
a member of the congregation (Phil. 2:25).
The gift was for the Apostle’s personal support during
detainment. Philippians is a
‘Thank you’ letter, but it also provides insight into the heart of
a Christian facing martyrdom.
The letter reveals a close bond between Saint
Paul and the Faithful at Philippi
(Phil. 1:1). As he declares, he
knows in his heart that they are full partakers with him of God’s grace,
both in his chains and in his defense of the Gospel before the court (vs.
7). He was blessed and joyful (vs.
4) even though he faced a trial with the potential of a death sentence, for,
whatever the outcome, he was certain of an eternal bond with a loving, gracious
community.
The true mark of a Christian martyr facing life or death is knowing that he is not alone. In his heart he is sustained by
gracious fellowship through dark, uncertain times, fraught with possible pain
and death. Consider the impact of
such a fellowship on the Apostle’s heart.
First and foremost, Saint
Paul mentions thankfulness: “I thank my God upon
every remembrance of you...” (vs. 3). When a family offers the oblations at
the Liturgy, they submit to the Pastor the names of the members of their family
to be remembered as the Holy Gifts are prepared for offering; but others are
also named at that time: the Lamb of God, our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, the
blessed Theotokos, the great angelic Leaders, the
holy Prophets, the glorious Apostles, great Hierarchs, Martyrs, the holy
Fathers of the Ascetic life, the wonder-working Unmercenary
Healers, the Parents of the Virgin, one of the great Liturgists, the Bishops
and clergy of the Church, and all the reposed brethren whom God has called to
Himself.
How thankful we should be when our loved ones are
remembered in the company of such a gracious fellowship! Every true Christian is filled with
heartfelt gratitude to God for belonging to a glorious, loving, incredibly
supportive Communion of holy ones.
Saint Paul remembers with gratitude that special family in Philippi who cared for his material needs. He knew them as a caring community, for
God had accomplished a great work in their hearts (vs. 6). They had turned from darkness to light,
responding in faith and love to the Truth and committing themselves to God as
their Lord and King for all eternity.
The Apostle was confident that God “...who [had] begun a good work
in [them would] complete it until the day of Jesus Christ...” (vs. 6). Every
Christian knows that whatever God begins, He finishes, and that He remains at
work in the world-wide fellowship He has formed until the Lord Jesus’
return.
Finally, as Saint
Paul remembers his Philippian
family, he is filled with a great longing for their warm fellowship. Such should be natural in every
Christian’s experience, but especially so when one is facing the
extremity of martyrdom. Let us
determine that our longing for the gracious fellowship of our brothers and
sisters in Christ always is mingled with deep affection - the kind of love that
we receive from the Lord Himself (vs. 8) and that sustains us all.
O Thou Lover of souls, grant to the fellowship of Thy
beloved ones, Thy rich mercy.
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October Calendar