Lectionary Reflection for Lent 2C on Philippians 3:17-4:1

SOMEONE TO FOLLOW

I have always been fascinated by the power of words. From the moment I first learned to read, I have been captivated by carefully chosen words. Writers who alchemically craft sentences into stories and studies have shown me places, given me adventures, and taught me wisdom that, without words, would have been beyond my reach. As I have learned to create my own tapestries of words, I have turned to these writers as mentors. I have studied their craft, even as my writing has found a different voice, and I have modelled myself on their commitment, creativity, and consistency.

I have never been particularly good at being mentored. It’s not that I haven’t tried to find teachers that I could learn from, there just haven’t been people in my life who were able to fulfil that role for me. But in books, articles, and online, I have found no shortage of guides who have shown me a way to make my love for words into a life. They will never know the profoundly positive difference they have made to this stumbling writer.

We all long to live lives that feel meaningful, fulfilling, and good to us. In our quest, we seek models who embody the lifestyle we desire. But all too often, the life we envision for ourselves and the people we choose to follow do not measure up to our dreams. Our hopes and yearnings are so influenced by “the multibillion dollar formation machine that is American [and global] media and advertising”¹ that we lose sight of what is truly life-giving. That’s why we need to step back, reevaluate what matters to us, and find models worth imitating. Many of the best mentors don’t promote themselves, but the writer of this week’s epistle reading from the Revised Common Lectionary is a notable exception.

PAUL AS GUIDE

Generally, when we go in search of a mentor, we don’t look for someone in prison. Yet the Apostle Paul, writing from captivity either in Ephesus or Rome, had no hesitation in presenting himself as an example to follow in the Christian life. It must have been tough for the Philippian believers, who were Roman citizens with all the privileges and rights that came along with that status,² to accept Paul’s teaching and example of servanthood and sacrifice. Many of them likely enjoyed access to lives of comfort, pride, respect, and plenty. But the joyful spirit of Paul’s words and his now gracious leadership shaped through decades of hardships and supportive relationships, seem to have been compelling—as they continue to be even now.

As Paul moved to the end of his letter, he called the Philippians to imitate him just as he imitated the simplicity, service, and sacrifice of Christ. The life of embodying the message and mission of Jesus was radically different from the definition of a good life that his readers would have received from their Roman culture. But Paul was convinced that it was the richest, fullest, and most meaningful life they could possibly experience.

“ENEMIES OF THE CROSS”

Paul notes that many people, both inside and outside of the Christian community, live as “enemies of the cross” (v.19). They trade the simplicity of Christ for excess (“their god is their stomach”). They replace the humble service of Christ with pride (“they take pride in their disgrace”). They reject the sacrifice of Christ in favour of self-serving power and privilege (“their thoughts are focussed on earthly things”). Such lives, Paul asserts, lead to destruction—not just for the people themselves, but for their society.

We are watching religious and political leaders, along with multitudes of their followers who claim the name of Christ, doing exactly what Paul warned the Philippians against. And we are witnessing and experiencing the destructive results on the lives of the poor, the vulnerable, the foreigner, the LGBTQIA+ community, and all who look, think, love, and believe differently from their white, patriarchal, nationalist norm. I don’t think it is too strong to suggest that Paul would include these people among his “enemies of the cross.” The values and vision for the world that they now proclaim and seek to impose could not be further from the way of Christ that Paul described in his letter to the Philippians.

CITIZENSHIP IN HEAVEN

Paul does not simply criticise those who choose not to follow Jesus’ way. He also invites the Philippians—and us—into the abundant life of Christ. In chapter two, he poetically described Jesus as the ultimate, self-giving servant. Then, in chapter three, he invited his readers to embrace a life of joy and freedom in Christ. The Apostle describes this life as having our “citizenship in heaven” (v.20). As Frank Crouch notes:

Here Paul refers to heaven not as an afterlife destination where angels with harps and halos will lounge on clouds. He refers to heaven as the fullness of the reign of God, now. (It’s not that our citizenship “will be” in heaven but “is” in heaven.) “We are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” not only in the future but also in our present (3:20). Christ transforms our bodies now, transforms our whole lives as they unfold (3:21).³