Message: One Bread, One Body / Phil 2:1-11
Today's first Scripture reading is from the Letter to the Philippians, often referred to as “the letter of joy.” The ministries of the congregation in Philippi gave great delight to Apostle Paul. This community had been established by Paul during his missionary journeys, and it was a vibrant one. Not only did they actively share the gospel of Christ, but they were also passionately engaged in relief work for the poor. In this regard, Paul sought to encourage them to see their ministry not as a heavy burden but as a joyful response to God's grace. Consequently, words like "joy (χαρά, 5x)" and "rejoice (χαίρω, 9x / συγχαίρω 2x)" appear more frequently in Philippians than in Paul's other letters.
It’s remarkable to consider when Paul penned this letter while in a situation far from joyous. He was imprisoned for proclaiming the gospel. However, his circumstances couldn't rob him of his joy because he firmly believed that God was always with him. Furthermore, the dedication of fellow believers in Philippi brought him deep satisfaction and renewed hope. Paul expressed his gratitude to them, "I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now" (Philippians 1:3–5).
However, even in this community of faith, there was a problem - conflict within the congregation (Philippians 4:2). Although Paul did not specify what it was about, he underscored its seriousness by naming the church leaders responsible for the division. In this regard, Paul said, "Make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind" (Philippians 2:2).
Conflict, of course, can be a source of learning. It helps us to be aware of the diversity within the congregation and confirms the passion of those striving to move the church in a better direction. Conflict is, in fact, a sign of a healthy community. Unless an overbearing and idolized leader forcibly controls the thoughts and actions of community members, differences in opinion are bound to arise.
Nevertheless, it is never appropriate to promote conflict with an aggressive attitude aimed at bending others to one’s will, all while losing sight of the church’s mission. What is the great commandment that Jesus has given us? It is to love God and love others. Criticism devoid of a sense of mission can lead to deep wounds and irreparable pain within the congregation.
So, what wisdom did Paul impart to the congregation in Philippi to resolve their conflicts? He found the answer in the humility of Christ. Paul stated, "Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross" (Philippians 2:5-8).
Humility is not a submissive attitude stemming from low self-esteem or self-hatred. Rather, it requires a strong faith in God's love. Throughout his life, Jesus Christ firmly believed in his identity as the beloved child of God. This empowered him to choose the path of humility, descending to the lowest point on earth.
But why did Jesus lower himself to the lowest point of the world? It was because that's where God's greatest concern lay. Just as parents with multiple children pay the most attention and care to the most vulnerable child, God looks with compassion to the lowest places where people are oppressed and suffering. This is why Jesus came to Palestine over 2,000 years ago, a land oppressed by the Roman Empire in economic, political, and religious terms.
Christian humility is about lowering ourselves to focus on those going through dark days of despair and suffering. Like geese frying in a V-shape to share the burden of a long journey, the church's reconciliation and unity begin with shared love and compassion, heading towards the low places where God's heart dwells.
In this context, the Holy Communion plays a significant role in nurturing humility. On the night before his crucifixion, Jesus shared a Passover meal with his disciples. The Passover is a Jewish festival to commemorate God's deliverance of the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt. At the heart of this celebration was the Passover meal. Just as the Jews remembered God who was with them in the lowest moments through the Passover meal, the communion invites us to remember the cross and resurrection of Christ, who came to earth to save those in the lowest places.
Many faith communities worldwide have been grappling with conflicts. Differences in doctrine, policy, theology, cultural, and political stance have led to divisions among denominations, congregations, and church members. Sometimes, the church is torn between left and right, each claiming that only they are absolutely right. However, the only One who is truly right is God. God didn’t call us because we are perfect; God called us because God sees our potential to love God and our neighbours a little more today than yesterday.
Hence, Paul’s letter to Philippians is still relevant today. It reminds us that we should not contend with our fellow believers who share Christ’s bread and wine. What we have to wrestle with are our inner whispers that tempt us to seek more power, more wealth, and more prestige in order to ascend further. What we need to counteract is our misguided passion for competition aimed at achieving the highest position.
Today, God invites us to the communion table to remember the humility of Jesus Christ. As the body of Christ, our congregation is called to have one mind and one love through one bread. May this communion service empower us to be a humble beacon for unity and reconciliation within the churches around the world.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
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