What’s The Secret?
October 11, 2023
Fr. John Riccardo
“Brothers and sisters, I know how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. I can do all things in him who strengthens me. Still, it was kind of you to share in my distress. My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father, glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Phil 4:12-14, 19-20
Like a slow, methodical, relentless drumbeat, Paul continues to speak to our anxiety-filled culture this week. As we open the headlines this week we are confronted with the horrors of renewed conflict in the Middle East, the ongoing war in the Ukraine, political upheaval in our country, the Synod in Rome and, much closer to home, our own ongoing trials and challenges in our families.
So, then, let us remind ourselves again that Paul is in captivity as he pens these words. Instead of receiving letters of comfort and support from others he is sending letters of comfort and encouragement to his friends in Philippi. Truly, this is a remarkable man!
That said, he writes to pass along to his friends, and to us, how it is that he is able to do all this. It’s not because of some innate, superhuman strength on his part. “I have learned,” Paul writes, “the secret.”
What is that secret?!
Perhaps it’s as simple as this: God can be trusted. He is our Father, and not an absent or abusive Father but a good Father. Because He is a good Father He will supply for all our needs. Not like a genie, who grants our every wish and fulfills our every desire. Rather, a Father who has created us out of love to be loved and to love, who has destined us to be divinized, and who is constantly working to conform us to His beloved Son, Jesus.
That same Jesus tells us that we cannot enter the Kingdom of God unless we become like children. What does that mean? Well, many things, perhaps, but especially this: we must trust. Children trust their parents, at least until a certain age. They trust they will be fed, clothed, and cared for when they cry. Jesus is forever a child. His very identity is Son. He Himself trusts His Father — “Not My will but Yours” (Luke 22:42).
In contrast to our rugged individualism, Paul lives in utter dependence on God. He has come to learn that God’s power is made perfect in weakness (cf 2 Cor 12:7-10). He has come to learn that with every trial and test God sends or allows — every trial and test — He will provide what is necessary to endure it (Cf 1 Cor 10:13).
Even prison. Even war. Even frustrations and challenges on the home front. Even martyrdom.
God is faithful. Period. Always. Full stop.
In his letter to the Romans and to the Galatians, Paul reminds the Christians that the Holy Spirit cries out within us, “Abba, Father!” That cry is one of both incredible intimacy and incredible confidence. Let us ask the Holy Spirit this week to reveal the Father ever more to us, that we may trust Him with our lives, our families, the Church, and our world.