“Have no anxiety about anything…” So begins our second reading today from S Paul’s letter to the community at Philippi. It is edifying to remember that Paul is speaking these words from prison, where each moment he faced the possibility of a violent death. Yet his concern is not with himself or his own fate, but with the members of the Christian Church.
This passage, exhorting the community to peaceful relationships, has its own sense of serenity, and is a striking appeal to love and respect whatever in life is wholesome and sound. Paul instructs the community to follow his example and put aside their preoccupations and turn to the Lord in prayer. Then that gift of God which is his peace will be theirs.
Biblical peace springs from harmonious relations between God and his people and then among the people themselves. It is found when one turns his or her life over to the crucified and risen Christ. This is clearly what Paul himself has done. Thus he can be at peace whatever fate awaits him. What about you – can you say the same?